Hulu's 'Devil in the Family' Explores Ruby Franke's Shocking Child Abuse Case

The new docuseries examines the rise and fall of the YouTube family vlogger and the role of Jodi Hildebrandt in the abuse scandal.

Ruby Franke and Jodi Hildebrandt, both sentenced to up to 30 years in prison, pleaded guilty to aggravated child abuse charges following the escape of Franke's malnourished 12-year-old son in 2023.
The Hulu docuseries features interviews with Ruby's husband, Kevin Franke, and their two eldest children, Shari and Chad, who reveal previously unseen footage and recount years of abuse and manipulation.
Ruby Franke's YouTube channel, '8 Passengers,' once celebrated for its portrayal of family life, faced criticism for her parenting methods before her arrest, including withholding meals and public shaming of her children.
Jodi Hildebrandt, a counselor who influenced Ruby, was described by those interviewed as manipulative, with her ConneXions program likened to a cult that isolated participants and exploited vulnerabilities.
Kevin Franke, who has filed for divorce, reflects on his role and regrets not intervening earlier, while Shari and Chad recount their efforts to protect their younger siblings and seek justice.