Hulu's New Documentary: 'Devil in the Family' Explores the Downfall of Ruby Franke

Hulu's new documentary 'Devil in the Family: The Fall of Ruby Franke' takes a deep dive into the arrest and subsequent conviction of the popular parenting vlogger. This three-part series provides viewers with a fresh perspective through never-before-seen footage and exclusive family interviews.

Who is Ruby Franke?

Ruby Franke was a well-known "momfluencer" who documented her life with her husband and six children on her YouTube channel, '8 Passengers'. At its peak, the channel amassed 2.5 million subscribers. However, several incidents in her videos raised concerns among viewers:

• She efused to bring lunch to her 6-year-old daughter after she forgot it at home.
• She excluded two of her children from Christmas celebrations as punishment.

Children Speak Out

In 2023, Franke’s youngest son knocked on a neighbor’s door, pleading for help. When the police arrived, they found him malnourished, with duct tape around his arms and legs and visible scratches on his body.

This incident led to an official investigation, uncovering disturbing conditions in Franke’s home and that of her business partner, Jodi Hildebrandt. Both were sentenced to up to 30 years in prison for child abuse.

Family Members Break Their Silence

For the first time, Franke’s husband Kevin, and their two eldest children, Shari and Chad, shared their experiences in front of the camera.

• Shari (21 years old): "Our house felt more like a set than a home."
• Chad (20 years old): "I was forced to film as punishment. I hated it."
• Kevin (Husband): "I had no idea what was happening in my family. I thought we were just an innocent religious family being attacked."

Unseen Footage Reveals More Secrets

The documentary also includes archival footage from '8 Passengers', showing Franke’s changing behavior depending on whether the camera was on or off.

Director Olly Lambert revealed, "When the camera was on, Franke was less strict, sometimes even affectionate. This made the children prefer filming as they received better treatment."

Ruby Franke and Jodi Hildebrandt’s Relationship

The documentary delves into Franke’s relationship with Jodi Hildebrandt, her business partner.

• Hildebrandt ran a life coaching business called ConneXions.
• Franke was introduced to Hildebrandt after Chad was expelled from school in 2019.
• Chad revealed that he was forced to sleep on a bean bag for seven months as a form of discipline.

Some believe that Hildebrandt’s influence made Franke even stricter, but Shari disagrees. She believes her mother already had abusive tendencies that escalated over time.

What Questions Does This Documentary Raise?

This documentary is more than just a family drama—it raises serious concerns about social media's impact on real life. Can the pursuit of online fame drive people to mistreat their own families? Does the pressure to maintain a public image blind individuals to reality?

'Devil in the Family' also highlights how misplaced faith and manipulation can lead to life-altering consequences.

Conclusion

Ruby Franke’s story serves as a warning—what we see on social media is often far from reality. Hulu’s documentary exposes the hidden truths behind the seemingly perfect online image, making it a must-watch for those interested in the darker side of influencer culture.