Chrisley Docuseries Uncovers Family Conflicts: Top Insights Revealed

The Chrisley family experienced a significant rift when Todd and Julie Chrisley were incarcerated, as highlighted in Lifetime’s The Chrisleys: Back to Reality docuseries.

During the premiere episode on September 1, Savannah Chrisley expressed her frustrations, stating, “Last I checked, no one else in my family is doing anything to fight for my parents. No one is out here speaking at the RNC, going to the White House, or making trips to D.C. hoping to meet the right people. No one is financially supporting my parents.”

Todd and Julie served a 28-month sentence after being convicted of tax evasion and bank and wire fraud in 2022. They were pardoned by President Donald Trump and released in May. The couple shares three children: Chase, Grayson Chrisley, and adopted daughter Chloe.

The docuseries provided insight into how the family managed during Todd and Julie’s imprisonment and the shifts in their dynamics post-release.

“I’ve already told my parents that we’re going to have a serious problem when they come home if they think everything will return to being a perfect family,” Savannah continued. “I’m not sure it can ever be fixed, to be honest.”

Continue reading for the most significant insights from The Chrisleys: Back to Reality:

Julie’s Parents

Both of Julie’s parents, Harvey and Pam Hughes, appear in the docuseries. Pam shared that she had to return to work after Todd and Julie went to prison.

“We had a townhouse that Julie and Todd were going to buy for us. After they went away, that plan fell through,” Pam mentioned during the premiere. “Consequently, we had to both get jobs to make our rent payments.”

Chloe’s Adjustment

“The adoption wasn’t finalized until just a month or two before mom and dad went away,” Savannah explained, noting that her dad initially hesitated to revoke parental rights from his eldest son, Kyle. However, Todd and Julie needed to finalize the adoption so Savannah could care for Chloe during their absence.

Savannah referred to caring for Chloe as a “nightmare” in the second episode, stating, “I can do nothing right. I feel like I’m failing at everything.”

In a confessional during that episode, Grayson described himself as the only “consistent male figure” in Chloe’s life. “I believe she finds great comfort in that,” he remarked.

Grayson’s Sports Pursuits

During the September 1 premiere, Grayson shared that he stopped playing baseball once Julie went to prison since he “never participated in a game” without her presence.

Chase’s Relationship with Family

Savannah mentioned in the premiere that her relationship with Chase is “definitely strained.”

“For more than two and a half years, he hasn’t contributed at all,” she asserted. “He has not assisted financially with the kids or anything else, despite being given plenty of chances.”

Chase countered that Savannah doesn’t genuinely want his help, claiming, “She prefers to say she did it alone.”

Grayson weighed in during an episode, stating, “Chase doesn’t help us at all.” He told their grandmother, Nanny Faye, that he feels he has taken on the role of a big brother while Chase has not reciprocated. He added that Chase “lives in his own world,” emphasizing, “Ultimately, he will act according to his own plans, regardless of guidance.”

Chase, in episode 2, expressed that Savannah seems to portray him as “the villain.”

“I want to support my family,” he said. “I desire us to have a solid family connection.”

Savannah’s Tension with Grandfather

The premiere concluded with a tense family dinner that highlighted friction between Savannah and Julie’s father, Harvey.

“What can we do to assist you?” Harvey asked. “We pray for you daily, but how can we help?”

Savannah chuckled and responded that she would remain “silent” on that topic, adding, “That question could have been posed two and a half years ago.”

“I have always struggled to relate to my Papa Harvey,” Savannah noted in the second episode. “Chase has been his favored child.”

In episode 4, Savannah reconciled with Harvey after he apologized for taking photos in her home.

Chase’s Arrest Reaction

In episode 2, the family responded to Chase’s January arrest for simple battery after he allegedly assaulted a bar manager in Atlanta. (He was released on a $10,000 bond, with attorneys insisting the incident was “overstated.” No charges were pressed by the employee.)

“It terrifies me,” Julie said during the episode, while Todd mentioned having “warned Chase for years to cut back on drinking.”

Chase reflected that he has no recollection of much of the incident, admitting he “hit rock bottom.” Savannah claimed she had tried to persuade Chase to enter treatment before his arrest, but he declined.

Nanny Faye’s Take on Chase’s Girlfriend

Chase’s girlfriend, Jodi Laine Fournerat, appears in the docuseries, but Nanny Faye seemed to lack enthusiasm for her.

“She has always been respectful, but I lack a close bond with her,” Nanny Faye commented. “You need to spend time with someone to form that connection. She needs to share laughs and joy with me.”

Julie’s Concerns Regarding Chase’s Girlfriend

After Chase disclosed his desire to propose to Jodi, Julie swiftly responded that it was premature.

“When he shared his plans to marry Jodi, I wasn’t pleased,” she confessed. “I don’t know her, so I can’t support my son marrying someone I’m unfamiliar with.”

In another interview, Chase speculated that his mother’s reluctance stemmed from her “not wanting to miss out,” stating, “But there’s nothing we can change about it right now.”

Todd’s Family Addresses His Sexuality

Over the years, speculation about Todd’s sexuality has circulated. In episode three, Julie stated that these rumors do not affect her.

“I know who I’m married to,” she asserted. “Ultimately, people can think what they want, but he knows himself.”

Todd commented, “It’s essential to recognize that when you’re in our position, scandal sells.”