The Dark Side of Family Vlogging; Ruby Franke's Downfall
A new Hulu docuseries, Devil in the Family: The Fall of Ruby Franke, delves into the shocking child abuse case involving former YouTube family vlogger Ruby Franke and her business partner, Jodi Hildebrandt. The three-part series, which premiered on February 27, 2025, features interviews with Ruby’s estranged husband, Kevin Franke, and their two eldest children, Shari and Chad, marking the first time they have spoken publicly about the case.
Ruby Franke, once a prominent figure on the now-defunct YouTube channel 8 Passengers, was sentenced to up to 30 years in prison in 2023 after pleading guilty to four counts of second-degree aggravated child abuse. Hildebrandt, a licensed therapist and Ruby’s business partner, also pleaded guilty to the same charges. The case drew national attention after authorities discovered Ruby’s two youngest children severely malnourished and covered in wounds at Hildebrandt’s home in Utah.
The docuseries reveals previously unseen footage from the Franke family’s extensive video archive, showcasing Ruby’s harsh parenting style and the toll it took on her children. Shari and Chad recount their discomfort with the constant filming, describing their home as feeling more like a set than a house. Chad also details how Hildebrandt’s influence over Ruby escalated, leading to the family’s eventual breakdown. Hildebrandt moved into the Franke home in 2022, taking over Shari’s bedroom and isolating Kevin from his family. Kevin, who filed for divorce after Ruby’s arrest, describes ConneXions, Hildebrandt’s counseling program, as feeling like a “cult.”
Ruby’s journal entries, released during the investigation, detailed the extreme abuse her children endured, including forced labor, food deprivation, and physical punishment. The abuse came to light when one of the children escaped and sought help from a neighbor, who called 911. Ruby and Hildebrandt were arrested shortly after.
Kevin, who was cleared of any involvement in the abuse, has been working to rebuild his relationship with his children and advocate for stronger child welfare laws in Utah. He has also filed a lawsuit against Hildebrandt for emotional distress and negligence. The four youngest Franke children remain in state custody as of 2025, while Kevin continues to fight for their return.
The docuseries sheds light on the darker side of family vlogging and the devastating consequences of Ruby Franke’s actions, offering a stark contrast to the seemingly perfect image she once portrayed online.
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