A docuseries titled Devil in the Family: The Fall of Ruby Franke is set to reveal the shocking details of abuse and control within the Franke family, primarily through the perspectives of Ruby’s eldest daughter, Shari Franke, and her son Chad Franke. This series, premiering on February 27, 2025, provides heartbreaking insight as it sheds light on once private family matters now thrust under public scrutiny.
Ruby Franke, once known for her popular YouTube channel 8 Passengers, which documented the lives of her family of six, is now facing serious allegations. The channel drew millions of viewers, but underneath the seemingly perfect family image lay disturbing truths. Shari Franke recalled harrowing moments from her childhood, including instances where she had to "clean blood off the walls" after her brother Chad was severely beaten. "I did always feel bad when he got in trouble. He'd get a bloody nose and I'd bring him toilet paper and didn't really know what to do," Shari stated, emphasizing the trauma endured within their household.
The docuseries dives deep, with Chad also recounting instances of dire punishment meted out by their mother, Ruby. He revealed, "She would pull out the belt, pull down my pants, whip me," indicating the harsh and abusive nature of the discipline he faced. These chilling testimonies are part of the larger narrative surrounding the couple’s tumultuous rise to notoriety and the troubling parenting tactics they employed, which were often critiqued by their online audience. Initially, Ruby and her husband Kevin dismissed viewer criticism about their strict methods, asserting their children were safe.
Shari noted how her mother’s viewpoint shifted significantly after Ruby became involved with Jodi Hildebrandt, whose influence led to increasingly severe forms of discipline. Ruby and Jodi disavowed Shari entirely as they delved deep down the path of strict parenting, culminating with the alarming event when Shari’s younger brother, aged 12, escaped from Jodi’s home. His alert to authorities about his malnourished condition marked the turning point, leading to Ruby and Jodi’s arrest for aggravated child abuse.
Kevin Franke, Ruby’s estranged husband, expressed his discomfort with the extensive filming for their YouTube channel, stating, "She filmed everything and I was so uncomfortable with it." His perspectives throughout the docuseries add layers to the narrative, as he reveals his struggles with Ruby’s ambitions versus their family dynamics. The transformations were significant as the fame Ruby craved clashed with the wellbeing of their children.
Chad shared his struggles with Ruby’s strict parenting tactics facilitated by Jodi. After enduring extremely harsh punishments, including isolation and deprivation of basic comforts, he acknowledged feeling controlled. He remarked, "I was being controlled. I purposely said the wrong lines. I purposely tried to make my mom as pissed as I possibly could." This conflict culminated as it became evident to the family members, particularly Shari, who began recognizing the abusive patterns even before they escalated drastically.
One of the most startling revelations is Kevin's description of Ruby's relationship with Jodi. He confessed, "It was much more than a friendship," drawing attention to the entangled dynamics involving all family members. This unsettling bond played a significant role not just in Ruby's parenting style but also foreshadowed the eventual unraveling of the family structure.
Following Ruby's arrest, both she and Jodi pleaded guilty to four counts of aggravated child abuse, receiving sentences of up to 30 years each. During her sentencing, Ruby expressed deep confusion, stating, "I was so disoriented...I was led to believe this world was an evil place," highlighting her detachment from reality and the deluded justification of her actions.
The series is marked by these haunting revelations and the emotional fallout among the family members, as they attempt to reconstruct their lives in the aftermath. Shari, via her memoir The House of My Mother: A Daughter’s Quest for Freedom, continues to voice her story, advocating for children who have suffered abuse like her siblings. She states, "I personally have seen too many crocodile tears from her, so I can’t say whether or not she is sorry. I will never talk to her again. Whether she’s the most apologetic person in the world or not, it doesn’t change anything for me."
Even as the impact of Ruby Franke's actions reverberates through the family, the docuseries promises to explore these layers of trauma and recovery. For viewers, it unveils the stark consequences of unchecked parental authority under the guise of discipline. Devil in the Family: The Fall of Ruby Franke stands not only as exposé of one family's dark side but also as a broader commentary on parenting practices and societal oversight of family dynamics.