Ruby Franke, the convicted family vlogger known for her YouTube channel 8 Passengers, is the focal point of a new documentary series titled Devil in the Family: The Fall of Ruby Franke, now streaming on Hulu. The three-part docuseries delves deep behind the scenes of Franke's seemingly perfect family life, which was shattered by allegations of child abuse.
Franke, who alongside her husband Kevin gained fame through their parenting videos, became embroiled in controversy when her behavior raised suspicions among fans. The situation escalated dramatically when her 12-year-old son escaped from the home he shared with Franke’s business partner, Jodi Hildebrandt, and reached out for help from neighbors. According to reports, authorities found him “emaciated and malnourished, with open wounds,” sparking investigations.
Franke and Hildebrandt were arrested in August 2023, facing two counts of child abuse each. Their offenses, outlined through shocking revelations, included Franke’s accounts reflecting her bizarre belief about her two youngest children's supposed demonic possession. Details emerged from Franke’s journal, which authorities later discovered and revealed the horrific realities of her parenting.
The documentary offers viewers the first glimpse of the Franke family's story from the perspective of Kevin, Shari, and Chad, who express their experiences during this troubling chapter. Kevin has openly discussed the extensive toll the events have taken on their family.
Following her arrest, Franke and Hildebrandt pleaded guilty to four counts of aggravated child abuse each by December 2023, leading to respective sentences ranging from four to 30 years in prison.
For those eager to watch Devil in the Family, the show is now available on Hulu, where current subscribers can stream it at no additional charge. New users can take advantage of Hulu’s offer for free trials, allowing them to explore the documentary without immediate payment.
Described by Hulu, the documentary provides “exclusive access to the Frankes, their friends and neighbors, and over a thousand hours of their YouTube channel’s footage” to reveal the unnerving truth behind the children’s suffering.
The series is divided neatly across three episodes: the first episode titled “Abundance,” reflecting on Ruby’s rise as she portrayed her life as wholesome; the second episode, “Distortion,” highlights the phase where she began cutting ties with loved ones under Hildebrandt's influence; and the final episode, “Truth,” depicts the attempts made by friends and family to intervene and help the children.
Each episode draws from previously unreleased content, including family footage aimed at helping viewers understand the complex, disturbing realities behind the façade of Ruby Franke’s life.
Since the troubling incidents, the Franke children have been separated from Ruby and are under state care, highlighting the emotional devastation this entire situation has wrought on the family unit.
According to testimony from Kevin and the children, what they went through was nothing short of harrowing. “The system failed us, but we persevered,” Shari said during one interview, shedding light on the mental and physical damages they encountered throughout their upbringing.
For those interested outside of the United States, streaming options are also available through platforms like Disney+. With different tiers of subscriptions offered, both US and international audiences can access this documentary and unravel the shocking truth behind the headline stories.
Domestic abuse awareness remains of utmost importance, and the series does not shy away from these sensitive topics. For anyone affected by domestic violence, the National Domestic Violence Hotline is available 24/7 at 800-799-7233, offering necessary support during such trying times. They provide confidential assistance, ensuring help is always just a call away.
This docuseries not only serves to inform but also acts as a powerful reminder of the circumstances many face behind closed doors. It urges audiences to question the narratives presented through social media and to recognize the signs of abuse.
Franke's narrative serves as both cautionary and harrowing, leaving viewers to contemplate the social media-driven glorification of family life when the truth can be significantly darker. Devil in the Family: The Fall of Ruby Franke is not only a chronicle of one family's collapse, but also raises important questions about accountability and the responsibility of parenting.
This compelling documentary is a must-watch for anyone interested in the intersections of family dynamics, societal expectations, and the alarming reality of online personas. All three episodes are currently streaming, prompting viewers to engage with the serious themes presented therein.
Franke’s case serves as one of the more gripping stories of our times, encouraging public dialogue around child welfare, media influence, and the societal structures failing at-risk children.
The release of this documentary marks the beginning of what will hopefully be broader discussions about the complex realities many families navigate, bringing to light the urgent need for awareness and intervention.
With the docuseries available now for streaming, audiences are invited to witness this unsettling but imperative depiction of the realities behind one family’s downfall.