"Devil in the Family: The Fall of Ruby Franke" details the horror

The Real Perspectives

February 27, 2025

"Devil in the Family: The Fall of Ruby Franke" reveals the true story behind the Franke family, focusing on Ruby Franke, the popular and successful YouTube vlogger from Utah who created the family friendly channel "8 Passengers," showcasing her home life with her husband and children. This gripping Hulu original premiered today and features never-before-seen footage detailing the scandal that shocked the world when Ruby was arrested for child abuse in August 2023.

When the cameras were off, the docuseries reveals there were episodes of intense anger from Ruby directed at her family, revealing a darker, more sinister truth. Ruby Franke, the Mormon mother of six, abused her children. This abuse first came to light in 2021 when her eldest son, Chad, revealed on camera that he had been sleeping on a beanbag chair in the basement serving a seven month punishment. The backlash was swift, prompting outrage from many who were quick to offer their opinions.

Ruby sought the help of therapist Jodi Hildebrandt when Chad was suspended from school and showed signs of unhappiness at home. However, the situation for the Franke family got worse. Hildebrandt, who had lost her license, was a religious zealot and quickly became a permanent staple in their home. Under Hildebrandt's influence, the family's troubles escalated. Kevin, her husband, was kicked out of the family home and became isolated from his children. Chad was also sent away under the pretext of helping him, while their eldest daughter, Shari, was cut off completely. Hildebrandt and Ruby were now in full control of the household, where the four youngest children were left defenseless and further subjected to physical, mental, and emotional abuse in an effort to eradicate what Ruby referred to as the "demons" in their lives.

Narrated by Kevin, Shari, 21, and Chad, now 20, this three-part documentary features candid interviews and confessions from the Franke family. For the first time, they share their story in detail, including additional confessions from neighbors and law enforcement officials who played key roles in gathering the evidence necessary to arrest both women.

Hulu

Directed by Olly Lambert and produced by Passion Pictures, the official synopsis reveals, "for years, the Frankes' YouTube channel had documented a wholesome, happy family life, with nearly 3 million subscribers tuning in at its peak. But happy families are rarely what they seem. As the cracks began to show, the family turned to counselor Jodi Hildebrandt for guidance – and rapidly found themselves trapped in a nightmare. Only the Frankes know what went on inside their home. This series marks the first time Shari and Chad, the Frankes' two eldest children, and Kevin, Ruby's husband, will share their story in depth on camera. With exclusive access to the Frankes, their friends and neighbors, and over a thousand hours of their YouTube channel's unseen rushes, Devil in the Family: The Fall of Ruby Franke cuts through the social media reaction to explore the untold story behind the Ruby Franke case: part family tragedy, part coming-of-age narrative, part tale of our times about the perils of life lived online."

With 1,000 hours of archival footage, the documentary delves deep and uncovers details that were previously unknown as we witness the beginnings of "8 Passengers" and observe Kevin and the kids' increasing reluctance to perform for the camera. The film reveals chilling insights into Hildebrandt's influence, with Kevin describing their relationship as "uncomfortably intimate." Kevin Franke has faced intense scrutiny regarding the extent of his involvement, as he has consistently maintained he was unaware of Ruby and Hildebrandt's abuse with his children. After watching the docuseries, viewers will arrive at their own conclusions about his complicity. In 2024, Ruby and Hildebrandt pleaded guilty and were sentenced to four consecutive prison terms where they will each serve up to thirty years in prison.

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Don't miss the riveting docuseries exclusively available on Hulu.

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