The highly anticipated documentary Devil in the Family: The Fall of Ruby Franke is set to premiere on February 27, 2025, exclusively on Hulu and as part of the Disney Bundle. This three-part series takes viewers on a deep exploration of the shocking story of Ruby Franke, the former YouTube sensation turned convicted child abuser, and the fallout from her heinous actions.
Once celebrated for her strict yet loving parenting style on her channel 8 Passengers, which amassed over 2.5 million subscribers, Ruby's life took a dramatic turn when her 12-year-old son escaped from the home shared with her business partner, Jodi Hildebrandt, seeking help from neighbors. The boy, discovered to be emaciated and bearing signs of abuse, ignited a scandalous investigation leading to Ruby's arrest. Alongside Hildebrandt, she was charged with multiple counts of aggravated child abuse and sentenced to up to 30 years in prison.
This documentary vividly portrays the unraveling of the Franke family as viewers are guided through exclusive interviews, never-before-seen footage, and personal testimonies from family members, including Shari and Chad, Ruby’s eldest children. They share harrowing accounts of the mistreatment they endured, shedding light on the darkness hidden behind the facade of their seemingly perfect family life.
Throughout the docuseries, Shari Franke provides chilling insights, recollecting moments when she walked unannounced back home to find accoutrements like candles and massage oils—a scene reminiscent of something more intimate than mere friendship between Ruby and Hildebrandt. "It felt really dark. At the moment, I kind of figured something was going on," she said. Chad Franke echoed his sister's sentiments, drawing parallels between Ruby's restrictive parenting and Hildebrandt’s influence over her. "I didn’t hate her because she was my mom, but I hated the way we were being treated," Chad reflected, referencing how their mother’s obsession with her online persona led to life-altering punishments, including denial of basic necessities.
With the release of the documentary, many questions linger about the nature of Ruby's relationship with Hildebrandt. Kevin Franke, Ruby's estranged husband, remarked, "It was much more than friendship. Much more than sisterhood. It was uncomfortably intimate." He provided insight on Hildebrandt's impact on Ruby, describing how their home morphed under her guidance and their descent turned perilous.
The documentary also investigates the insidious influence of social media and parenting influencers, delving deep to understand how the pressure to maintain their online allure distorted Ruby’s approach to motherhood. Examining her chilling admissions during her sentencing, where she confessed to physical and psychological torment of her children, the film seeks to provoke discussions about the broader societal impact of influencer culture.
Ruby’s alarming transformation from beloved vlogger to child abuser has shaken communities and raised alarms about the safety of children growing up under the scrutiny of public life. The excesses of online fame have drawn considerable attention, shifting from admiration to horror as the truth about the Franke family's home life is vividly illustrated.
Shari’s recently published memoir, The House of My Mother: A Daughter’s Quest for Freedom, complements the documentary by recounting her traumatic upbringing and the deep-seated scars left by her mother’s abusive principles. The book signifies her attempt to reclaim her narrative and emphasizes the urgent need for awareness around such issues, especially as online fame can often mask severe personal troubles.
There is palpable tension as the documentary culminates, culminating with the estrangement Ruby has experienced from her family. Kevin Franke has stated firmly he no longer wishes to have any correspondence from Ruby, outlining the painful decision to step back for the sake of their wellbeing. "It's been two years since the hell began; I need to find my version of normal," he expressed.
Devil in the Family not only serves as unsettling entertainment but also as a necessary reminder of the potential dangers lurking beneath the surface of curated online lives. The docuserseries aims to incite conversations on parenting ethics and the responsibilities of those who choose to share their family dynamics on public platforms.
With its raw depictions of the Franke family's real-life trauma juxtaposed against the filler of their online persona, this Hulu series becomes more than just a commentary on celebrity culture; it is also testimony to the extreme lengths to which individuals can go to seek validation at the expense of their families. Viewers are beckoned to tune in February 27 to witness the unfiltered truth about Ruby Franke—one influencer's devastating fall from grace.