"Devil in the Family: The Fall of Ruby Franke" – A Hulu Docuseries Unveils the Dark Side of Mommy Vlogging

The seemingly idyllic world of online family life has been shattered by the disturbing case of Ruby Franke, the former mommy vlogger whose story captivated and then horrified millions. Now, Hulu is shedding light on the events leading up to her arrest and conviction in a new docuseries, "Devil in the Family: The Fall of Ruby Franke." This three-part series offers a chilling look at the unraveling of a family, the dangers of unregulated online influence, and the insidious nature of abuse hidden behind a carefully curated facade.

What sets this docuseries apart is its intimate perspective. For the first time, Franke’s family members, including her ex-husband Kevin and their two eldest children, Shari and Chad, are speaking out, offering firsthand accounts of the events that transpired within their home. The series promises to "set the record straight," providing viewers with a deeper understanding of the complexities and nuances of this tragic situation.

Ruby Franke, along with her business partner Jodi Hildebrandt, co-founded ConneXions, a parenting advice and counseling service that quickly drew scrutiny for its extreme and often harmful methods. Both women were arrested in September 2023 and charged with six counts of second-degree aggravated child abuse. The charges stemmed from the discovery of two of Franke’s six children in severely malnourished and abused conditions. The case sent shockwaves through the online community, prompting a reckoning with the potential dangers of mommy vlogging and the unchecked power of influencers.

Before her downfall, Ruby Franke was a prominent figure in the mommy vlogging world. Her YouTube channel, "8 Passengers," offered glimpses into the daily life of her family, which included her husband Kevin and their six children: Shari, Chad, Abby, Julie, Russell, and Eve. With 2.5 million subscribers at its peak, the channel portrayed a seemingly wholesome and happy family dynamic. However, as the years passed, viewers began to notice inconsistencies and red flags in Franke’s parenting style.

Concerns grew over her strict discipline methods, which some considered bordering on abuse. In one particularly troubling example, Franke publicly stated that children do not deserve unconditional love. These pronouncements, coupled with other questionable parenting choices, sparked outrage and criticism online. The scrutiny intensified when Franke partnered with Hildebrandt to launch ConneXions. The parenting advice offered by the pair was widely criticized for being extreme, harsh, and even psychologically damaging.

The docuseries aims to delve into the "untold story" behind the Ruby Franke case, exploring the factors that contributed to the family’s disintegration. According to Hulu’s official logline, "Devil in the Family: The Fall of Ruby Franke" is part family tragedy, part coming-of-age narrative, and part cautionary tale about the perils of life lived online.

The series also tackles the broader implications of the case, examining the role of social media in shaping perceptions of family life and the potential for online platforms to be used for manipulation and exploitation. It aims to provide context for the Franke family’s involvement with The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and the influence that religious beliefs may have had on their parenting decisions.

With exclusive interviews from Kevin Franke, Shari Franke, and Chad Franke, alongside never-before-seen footage and access to over 1,000 hours of YouTube content, the docuseries promises a comprehensive and unflinching examination of the case.

The Franke case serves as a stark reminder of the dark side of online influence. While many mommy vloggers strive to share helpful tips and connect with other parents, others may exploit their children for views and profit. The lack of regulation in the online space makes it difficult to protect children from exploitation and abuse. The "Devil in the Family" series will likely fuel the debate surrounding the ethics of family vlogging and the need for greater oversight.

The inclusion of homophobic, racist, and transphobic comments in Franke and Hildebrandt’s online content further exacerbated the controversy surrounding their parenting advice. These comments alienated many viewers and underscored the harmful nature of their teachings.

Both Franke and Hildebrandt were initially charged with six counts of second-degree aggravated child abuse after two of Franke’s children were found in a state of severe neglect and malnourishment. The children exhibited signs of physical and emotional trauma, prompting authorities to take swift action. As part of a plea agreement with prosecutors, both women pleaded guilty to four of the six counts.

In February 2024, Franke and Hildebrandt were sentenced to prison terms ranging from four to 60 years. The sentencing brought a measure of closure to the case, but the impact on the Franke family and the wider community remains profound.

The "Devil in the Family: The Fall of Ruby Franke" docuseries not only explores the legal and ethical aspects of the case but also delves into the personal toll it has taken on those closest to Franke. By providing a platform for her family to share their stories, the series aims to offer a nuanced and empathetic portrayal of the tragedy.

"Devil in the Family: The Fall of Ruby Franke" is a must-watch for anyone interested in understanding the complexities of online influence, the dangers of unregulated parenting advice, and the devastating consequences of child abuse. It will likely spark important conversations about the ethics of family vlogging, the need for greater protection of children online, and the importance of holding abusers accountable for their actions. The docuseries is available to stream now on Hulu.