A new Hulu docuseries titled Devil in the Family: The Fall of Ruby Franke recently premiered, delving deep.into the shocking case of Ruby Franke, the former YouTube star who was arrested for child abuse.
Franke, who gained millions of followers through her family vlogs, was sentenced to up to 30 years imprisonment for aggravated child abuse after pleading guilty. Her story highlights the perils associated with online life and the significant consequences of placing oneself and one’s family under public scrutiny.
Directed by Olly Lambert and produced by Passion Pictures, the docuseries premiered on February 27, 2025. It portrays Franke's transition from beloved mom-fluencer to convicted felon and also examines her troubling partnership with life coach Jodi Hildebrandt, who was similarly charged.
The series features never-before-seen footage from Franke's YouTube channel 8 Passengers and includes interviews with her estranged husband Kevin Franke and two of their eldest children, Chad and Shari. Kevin Franke, who filed for divorce from Ruby shortly after her arrest, shared his thoughts saying, “I want people to know there is real danger when you place yourself or your family onto public social media.”
He emphasized the importance of caution when choosing whom to follow online, warning about the potential risks involved: “If you put your trust in the wrong person, it can have massive consequences.” His words echo the devastating fallout from Ruby's actions, which have raised serious discussions about accountability for social media influencers.
Franke's alleged abuses, described during court proceedings, included withholding food and water and other severe punishments. One of her children managed to escape the unsafe home environment, seeking help at a neighbor's house. This prompted the police to investigate and eventually led to the horrifying revelations about conditions within the Franke home.
The public was left stunned by the extent of the abuse, particularly when details came to light following the investigation. Child welfare workers uncovered alarming practices, including the binding of children with ropes and handcuffs, echoing stories of horror typically reserved for fiction.
Hildebrandt, who had moved in with the Franke family, has also faced legal consequences, as both women received consecutive prison terms for their actions. The documentary aims to shed light on their deeply flawed methods and the wider impact on their children's lives.
Chad Franke, now 20, transitioned from the family vlogging scene to pursuing real estate, having started his realtor career just weeks after the docuseries aired. Although he has sought to establish his identity away from the camera’s gaze, he opened up about the family’s tragic story within the documentary. His social media displays hints of his family’s past through subtle references and poignant reminders of their trauma.
Chad expressed the difficulty of growing up under the intense scrutiny of being filmed constantly. “The house turned more and more like a set with every passing day. It felt suffocative,” he reflected. This feeling of losing autonomy captures the struggle many children of influencers face.
Viewers of the docuseries can witness firsthand the long-standing impact of Ruby Franke’s actions on Chad and his siblings. The documentary also touches upon the role of Hildebrandt, who had become increasingly close to Ruby and influenced her parenting decisions, leading to more destructive outcomes.
Ruby Franke and Jodi Hildebrandt's case serves as a stark reminder of the unintended consequences often overlooked by the public fascinated with internet fame. The 8 Passengers channel, once celebrated for its family-friendly content, has now become the subject of national scandal.
Given the seriousness of the allegations and their far-reaching effects, Devil in the Family provides not only sensational content but also urges viewers to reflect on their consumption of social media content and the ethics of raising children under public scrutiny.
The impact of Franke’s actions continues to reverberate within the community and the minds of those who once admired her. Therefore, as this series reveals the devastating layers of abuse, it also raises pertinent questions about the responsibilities of content creators.
Franke’s story is far from unique, but it serves as a cautionary tale for those venturing too deeply onto the public stage, showcasing the catastrophic fallout of actions taken in pursuit of fame.
For streaming audiences, Devil in the Family: The Fall of Ruby Franke is accessible via Hulu, where those intrigued by the family's story can learn more about the fragmented relationships and trauma resulting from the Franke saga.