The Rise and Fall of Ruby Franke: A Hulu Docuseries Explores the Tragic Journey of a Former Mom-Influencer

Introduction to the Docuseries

Hulu’s newest docuseries, Devil in the Family: The Fall of Ruby Franke, offers a deep dive into the troubling case of Ruby Franke, a once-popular YouTube vlogger and mother of six who was arrested in August 2023 and later sentenced in February 2024 for aggravated child abuse. The three-part series, directed by Olly Lambert and produced by Passion Pictures, takes viewers on a journey from Franke’s rise as a beloved “mom-fluencer” to her shocking fall from grace. By examining the complexities of her life and the consequences of her actions, the docuseries sheds light on the darker side of online fame and its impact on family dynamics.

The series features never-before-seen footage from the Franke family’s YouTube channel, 8 Passengers, as well as exclusive interviews with Franke’s estranged husband, Kevin Franke, and two of their eldest children, Chad and Shari. These personal accounts provide a raw and unfiltered look at the family’s experiences, revealing a reality far removed from the idyllic image Franke once portrayed online.

Ruby Franke’s Descent from Influencer to Felon

Ruby Franke’s story is one of stark contrast. Once celebrated as a charming and relatable mom-influencer, she built a massive following by sharing her life as a mother of six on YouTube. However, her world began to unravel when she was arrested in August 2023 on charges of child abuse. In a surprising twist, Franke pleaded guilty to the charges in December 2023, and in February 2024, she was sentenced to four consecutive terms of one to 15 years in prison. Her former business partner, Jodi Hildebrandt, a therapist and founder of Connexions Classroom, also pleaded guilty to the same charges and received the same sentence.

The docuseries delves into how Franke’s life took such a drastic turn, exploring her relationship with Hildebrandt and the dangers of living life online. It paints a picture of a family tragedy intertwined with a cautionary tale about the risks of social media fame.

How to Watch Devil in the Family

For viewers eager to learn more about Ruby Franke’s story, Devil in the Family: The Fall of Ruby Franke is now available to stream on Hulu. Additionally, those with a Disney+ Bundle subscription can access the docuseries through Hulu on Disney+. The series is a must-watch for true crime enthusiasts and anyone interested in the consequences of online fame.

The Family Speaks Out: Kevin, Chad, and Shari Share Their Stories

In the lead-up to the docuseries’ release, Kevin Franke, Ruby’s estranged husband, shared his thoughts about the importance of the documentary. “I think what you’ll see is something very, very different than what you thought you knew,” Kevin told ABC News. He emphasized the dangers of sharing family life on social media, warning viewers about the real-world consequences of such choices.

Kevin, along with their eldest children, Chad and Shari, opens up in the docuseries about their experiences with Ruby and the impact her actions had on their family. Their stories provide a harrowing look at the emotional and psychological turmoil they endured and serve as a stark reminder of the human cost of Ruby’s behavior.

The Broader Implications of Ruby Franke’s Story

Beyond the shocking details of Ruby Franke’s case, the docuseries raises important questions about the culture of influencer parenting and the pressures of curating a perfect online persona. By blending personal tragedy with a coming-of-age narrative, Devil in the Family highlights how the pursuit of online fame can distort reality and lead to devastating consequences.

Final Thoughts: A Cautionary Tale for the Digital Age

Devil in the Family: The Fall of Ruby Franke is more than just a true crime story; it’s a reflection of our times. It challenges viewers to critically examine their relationship with social media and the influencers they follow. As Kevin Franke so poignantly stated, “If you put your trust in the wrong person, it can have massive consequences in your life.” This docuseries is a reminder of the fragility of trust, the dangers of unchecked ambition, and the enduring importance of accountability. For those who followed Ruby Franke’s journey online, this series offers a sobering look at the real-life fallout of her actions and a warning about the risks of building a life on the fleeting world of social media.