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Surprise Hits As 2025 Docuseries Returns. The Lifetime greenlight announced by Variety on May 21, 2025 matters because it arrives after a high-profile pardon that changed the family’s public status this spring. Variety confirms Bunim/Murray Productions is producing, with Savannah Chrisley and Chase listed as executive producers – a factual pivot from earlier network reality seasons. My take: this will be less glossy reality TV and more reputation management in long form. How will viewers and advertisers respond to a pardoned family on a big cable stage?
How the new Lifetime docuseries rewrites the Chrisley family arc in 2025
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Variety reports Lifetime greenlit an untitled Chrisley docuseries, slated for 2025 release.
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The project is produced by Bunim/Murray Productions, with Savannah and Chase as exec producers.
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Todd and Julie Chrisley remain incarcerated since Jan 17, 2023, shaping filming limitations and narrative tone.
Why this 2025 greenlight lands amid pardon controversy and ratings risk
The timing is blunt: a Lifetime docuseries is being pitched after President Trump granted a full pardon in May 2025, meaning the show won’t be framed around a looming sentence but around a restored legal status. That changes incentives – the family can now push a redemption arc instead of a legal defense storyline. Expect advertisers and platforms to reassess whether the series is a ratings magnet or a brand risk. Small ad buys could turn into big controversy quickly.
Will the 2025 docuseries change how audiences view the Chrisleys?
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People’s reporting shows Savannah publicly celebrated the pardon, saying the moment answered “countless prayers.” That reaction signals the family will lean into repentance and reunion themes. Critics will ask whether a cable doc lets the family profit from a granted pardon. Fans may forgive; advertisers may hesitate. Who does this benefit most – the family or the network?
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The pattern is clear: viewers click into vulnerability and comeback stories. Cable and streamer research shows controversial reality titles spike social engagement by double digits. Networks chase that attention because short-term viewership gains often outweigh long-term reputation harm. Expect Lifetime to price ad slots accordingly.
The numbers that change the Chrisley comeback and advertiser risk in 2025
| KPI | Value + Unit | Change/Impact |
|---|---|---|
| Planned release | 2025 | Late-year slot raises visibility |
| Production company | Bunim/Murray | Documentary team, less glossy tone |
| Legal backdrop | May 2025 pardon | Recasts narrative from guilt to comeback |
The series lands while public sympathy and scrutiny both pivot.
What will the 2025 Chrisley docuseries mean for viewers and advertisers?
This docuseries could recast the family as comeback protagonists, or it could amplify backlash that costs advertising dollars. Expect a polarized reaction on social platforms and cautious media buys early. Will audiences forgive if the show feels staged, or will a raw, documentary tone win trust? Which outcome would you bet on?
Sources
- https://variety.com/2025/tv/news/lifetime-greenlight-chrisley-family-docuseries-2025-release-1236403673/
- https://people.com/parents/all-about-todd-chrisley-children/
Jessica Morrison is a seasoned entertainment writer with over a decade of experience covering television, film, and pop culture. After earning a degree in journalism from New York University, she worked as a freelance writer for various entertainment magazines before joining red94.net. Her expertise lies in analyzing television series, from groundbreaking dramas to light-hearted comedies, and she often provides in-depth reviews and industry insights. Outside of writing, Jessica is an avid film buff and enjoys discovering new indie movies at local festivals.