Hulu’s Devil in the Family Reveals Dark Truth Behind Ruby Franke’s Rise and Fall

IVINS, Utah — A shocking new docuseries set to premiere on Hulu dives into the harrowing experiences of Ruby Franke, a former YouTuber arrested for child abuse in August 2023. The three-part series, titled *Devil in the Family: The Fall of Ruby Franke*, explores the disturbing revelations that led to the charges against Franke and her accomplice, Jodi Hildebrandt.

The series debuts on February 27 and features testimonies from Franke’s eldest children, Shari and Chad, as well as her estranged husband, Kevin Franke. The documentary recounts the grim circumstances leading to the arrest of Franke, whose YouTube channel, *8 Passengers*, once showcased a seemingly idyllic family life.

On a late August afternoon in 2023, a malnourished 12-year-old boy approached a neighbor’s door in Ivins, seeking help. He asked the neighbor to take him to the nearest police station. Concerned for the child, the neighbor provided water and contacted the authorities, reporting an “emaciated” child with “tape around his legs” who was “hungry and thirsty.” When police arrived, they discovered the boy had escaped from a home owned by Hildebrandt, where he and his 10-year-old sister had allegedly endured months of captivity, starvation, and abuse.

Franke, 43, became a prominent figure in family vlogging after launching *8 Passengers* in 2015, gaining over 2.5 million subscribers by June 2020. However, her parenting methods drew intense criticism prior to her arrest. Allegations of emotional and physical abuse surfaced as videos showed her punishing her children harshly, including depriving them of meals.

In the docuseries, Kevin Franke shares insights into his wife’s descent into abusive behavior. “Ruby’s sole ambition was to be seen as the perfect mom. But she wasn’t getting enough praise and attention,” he said. This pursuit of perfectionism led to anxiety about viewer criticism and ultimately dictated her treatment of her children.

As the family dealt with increasing scrutiny, they brought Hildebrandt into their lives for counseling. Hildebrandt, a licensed therapist whose license was suspended in 2012, promoted strict disciplinary measures that Ruby adopted, leading to further isolation and distress for the children. Reports indicate that Hildebrandt’s influence grew to an intrusive degree, with Ruby spending immense amounts of time at her home.

In August 2021, Hildebrandt moved in with the Frankes, and their dynamic became concerning. Kevin found the relationship between Ruby and Hildebrandt to border on the intensely personal, leading to Ruby’s disconnection from their daughter Shari. After several welfare check requests, neighbors expressed their concerns, leading to increased public scrutiny.

After Franke’s arrest, investigators discovered physical evidence of abuse in Hildebrandt’s home, including rope and medical gauze. According to statements made during the investigation, Franke’s captured children recounted severe mistreatment and forced activities designed to ‘exorcise’ them of perceived malign influences.

Both Franke and Hildebrandt pleaded guilty to multiple counts of aggravated child abuse, with Franke expressing regret during her court appearance. She stated she was manipulated by Hildebrandt and accepted responsibility for her actions, vowing to help her children heal. Additionally, Shari Franke’s memoir, *The House of My Mother*, has become a bestseller, advocating against the exploitation of children in family vlogging.

The fallout continues for the Franke family. Following the allegations and arrests, Kevin has filed for divorce, expressing regret about their prior vlogging practices. He believes legislation is necessary to protect children in similar circumstances. “Vlogging my family, putting my children into public social media, was wrong, and I regret it every day,” he stated.

As *Devil in the Family* approaches its release, it promises to uncover the troubling dynamics that led to Ruby Franke’s public downfall and provide a voice to those affected by the saga.