Honestly, if you haven’t been keeping up with the Chrisleys lately, you’ve missed a lifetime’s worth of drama packed into just a couple of years. One minute they were the "First Family of the South" on USA Network, cracking jokes in their Atlanta mansion, and the next, they were reporting to federal prison. It was a total whirlwind. But it’s 2026 now, and the landscape has shifted again. After a shocking presidential pardon and a return to the screen, the question of who are the Chrisley family has a much more complicated answer than it did back in 2014.
They aren't just reality stars anymore. They are a case study in legal battles, family loyalty, and the sheer power of a PR comeback.
The Core Players: Who Are the Chrisley Family Members?
To understand the chaos, you have to know the roster. It starts with Todd Chrisley, the patriarch who built a real estate empire before becoming a TV star. He’s known for his "helicopter parenting" and those sharp-tongued one-liners that usually targeted his kids. Then there’s Julie Chrisley, the calm to Todd’s storm. She’s a breast cancer survivor and the daughter of a Baptist minister, often seen as the emotional glue of the house.
Together, they raised a blended family that includes:
- Lindsie Chrisley: Todd’s oldest daughter from his first marriage. Things have been... rocky. She was estranged for years, though they've had public "maybe" reconciliations.
- Kyle Chrisley: The oldest son, who has struggled openly with addiction and mental health. He’s the father of Chloe Chrisley, who Todd and Julie eventually adopted.
- Chase Chrisley: Often called Todd’s "mini-me." He was the resident prankster on Chrisley Knows Best.
- Savannah Chrisley: The pageant queen turned business mogul. She’s arguably the most influential member of the family now.
- Grayson Chrisley: The youngest biological child of Todd and Julie, who basically grew up in front of the cameras.
- Nanny Faye: Todd’s mother. Let’s be real—she’s the fan favorite. Her gambling habit and "don't care" attitude made her a legend.
The Legal Nightmare and the 2025 Pardon
For a long time, the family’s biggest problem was whether Chase would get another tattoo. Then the feds stepped in. In 2022, Todd and Julie were convicted of bank fraud and tax evasion. Prosecutors said they bilked banks out of $30 million in fraudulent loans to fund their lifestyle. Todd got 12 years; Julie got seven.
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They went to prison in January 2023. It felt like the end.
But Savannah Chrisley didn't stop. She spent two years lobbying, podcasting, and visiting Washington D.C. She even spoke at the Republican National Convention. It paid off. In May 2025, President Donald Trump granted both Todd and Julie full pardons. They walked out of prison hours later.
Critics were furious. Fans were ecstatic. It was the kind of polarization that only happens with the Chrisleys.
Life in 2026: The "Back to Reality" Era
Since coming home, the family hasn't exactly kept a low profile. They’ve basically been everywhere. One of their first big moves was appearing on The Masked Singer in early 2026 as "The Croissants." Singing "Jailhouse Rock," no less. Talk about leaning into the brand.
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They also launched a new docuseries on Lifetime called The Chrisleys: Back to Reality. It’s different from the old show. It’s less "wacky hijinks" and more about the trauma of the last few years. Chase has been dealing with some pretty serious health issues lately—specifically, a struggle with his weight and digestive problems that Savannah has talked about on her podcast. Meanwhile, Kyle was arrested again in late 2025 on multiple charges, proving that the road to recovery isn't a straight line for everyone in this family.
Savannah’s Political Pivot
The most interesting thing happening right now is Savannah's potential run for Congress. After seeing the prison system firsthand while her parents were locked up, she’s become a massive advocate for prison reform. She’s gone from selling makeup to discussing legislative policy. Whether you like her or not, she’s the one keeping the family relevant and financially afloat.
What Most People Get Wrong About the Chrisleys
People think it was all fake. While the show was definitely "produced," the legal debt and the family rifts were very real. They aren't just "characters." They are people who lost everything and got a second chance through a very rare political move.
Today, they are living in Nashville, trying to rebuild the real estate business while filming their various spinoffs. Julie is back to her cooking content, and Todd is apparently working on a travel show with Chase. They are trying to go back to "normal," but with a federal conviction history (even if pardoned) and a divided public, "normal" is a long way off.
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Actionable Takeaways for Following the Story
If you're trying to keep up with the latest updates without getting lost in the tabloid noise, here is how to navigate the Chrisley world in 2026:
- Listen to "Unlocked with Savannah Chrisley": This is where the real news breaks. She doesn't hold back on the family’s legal or health struggles.
- Watch the Lifetime Docuseries: It provides a much more raw look at their post-prison life than the USA Network version ever did.
- Check Official Court Records for Kyle: Since his 2025 arrest, his legal status is the most volatile part of the family dynamic right now.
- Follow Nanny Faye’s Health: She’s in remission from bladder cancer, but the family frequently updates fans on her status since she’s the heart of the group.
The Chrisley family has gone from the heights of cable TV fame to the depths of federal prison and back to the spotlight again. They are survivors, for better or worse. Whether they can stay out of trouble this time is the question everyone is waiting to see answered.
To keep up with their latest business ventures, you can follow their verified social media accounts, which have become their primary source of direct communication with fans since the 2025 release.