A new Hulu docuseries, "Devil in the Family: The Fall of Ruby Franke," offers a chilling exploration of the former YouTube vlogger Ruby Franke, who made headlines for her arrest on charges of child abuse. Franke, who rose to fame as the mother of six on her family channel "8 Passengers," pleaded guilty to four counts of aggravated child abuse after being sentenced to prison earlier this year.
Released on February 27, 2025, this three-part docuseries delves deep not only to understand the family’s downfall but to probe the disturbing experiences endured by Franke’s children. Directed by Olly Lambert and produced by Passion Pictures, the documentary includes unreleased footage from the Franke family’s social media presence, alongside interviews with Franke’s estranged husband, Kevin Franke, and two of their eldest children, Chad and Shari. It paints a portrait of how Ruby transitioned from celebrated "mom-fluencer" to convicted felon, highlighting the pervasive risks associated with family life broadcasted online.
"Devil in the Family" explores the dynamics between Ruby Franke and Jodi Hildebrandt, her ex-business partner and therapist, with whom she shared controversial parenting ideologies. Both women faced severe legal repercussions, having been sentenced to serve time ranging from one to fifteen years after pleading guilty to child abuse charges. The series serves as both a cautionary tale and examination of the societal pressures facing families who share their lives on digital platforms.
Kevin Franke, who filed for divorce from Ruby Franke shortly after her arrest, shared with ABC News his thoughts on the documentary and the public perception of their family. He emphasized the dangers of sharing intimate family moments online, stating, "What you'll see is something very, very different than what you thought you knew." He cautioned viewers to be mindful of whose lives they follow on social media, noting the potential consequences of this public exposure.
He urged, "There are real consequences associated with placing yourself or your family, your children, out onto public social media. If you put your trust in the wrong person, it can have massive consequences in your life." Kevin’s reflections resonate as he, along with Chad and Shari, recount their experiences and the widespread narrative about Ruby's apparent descent from the beloved mom influencer to convicted abuser.
The severity of Ruby Franke's actions shocked many as the documentary reveals grim details surrounding the abuse. Notably, police investigators read chilling excerpts from Ruby’s diary, which shed light on her distorted beliefs and actions. One journal entry described brutal forms of punishment, indicating her belief system equated discipline with cruelty: "Sleep outside, shaved her head, doused her with water, over his nose and mouth, head in the toilet, needs to be painful." Another entry suggests Franke believed her children were possessed, prompting her to take extreme measures to discipline them: "If he wants to emulate the Savior, he needs to be a hundred percent obedient with exactness. The body must engage in good work and the good works need to be painful." Withdrawal of food to coerce behavior was also prevalent, evidenced by her frantic conclusions implying manipulation by her children when they asked for basic needs.
The documentary starkly contrasts the seemingly idyllic life showcased on "8 Passengers" with the emotional and physical torment experienced behind closed doors. Shocking revelations depict children who were found emaciated, with reports of one child escaping after being tied up, seeking help from neighbors covered with wounds. This stark reality starkly raises issues of child welfare and the responsibilities of parents, both on and off the internet.
"Devil in the Family: The Fall of Ruby Franke" features testimonies and insights relevant to the nature of parenting and accountability, underlining how pressures of online fame can skew one’s judgment. It is available for streaming on Hulu and through the Disney+ bundle, allowing viewers access to both its emotive storytelling and raw historical intricacies.
Ruby Franke and Jodi Hildebrandt's case serves as a cautionary lesson not just about the consequences of abusive parenting but also the darker side of social media, where curated family images may mask serious issues. Streaming platforms can amplify stories like Franke's, offering both entertainment and significant societal lessons about the fragility and responsibilities of family life.