Hulu is set to air a gripping three-part docuseries titled Devil in the Family: The Fall of Ruby Franke, shining a light on the shocking events surrounding one of the Internet’s most controversial mommy vloggers. Ruby Franke gained fame through her YouTube channel, 8 Passengers, which showed what many believed to be an idyllic family life. However, investigations revealed a darker reality, leading to allegations of child abuse that have now captivated audiences across the nation.
Unexpected Twists in a Family Story
The docuseries, premiering on February 27, 2024, delves into the narrative of Ruby Franke, once a beloved figure with over 2.5 million subscribers. She was arrested in August 2023 for serious charges of child abuse, alongside her business partner, Jodi Hildebrandt. This shocking turn of events has left many wondering how someone who seemed to lead a perfect life could end up facing such grave accusations.
The Arrest That Shocked the Internet
Ruby Franke was arrested after a distressed 12-year-old son managed to escape from their home, seeking out food and water. This brave act led authorities to discover that the living conditions of several Franke children were alarmingly severe, with claims of starvation and severe confinement emerging from investigations. Following their arrests, Ruby and Jodi Hildebrandt were sentenced to 4 to 30 years in prison, effectively marking a peculiar end to their YouTube careers.
Ruby Franke: The Face Behind the Fame
In the upcoming docuseries, viewers will hear from Ruby’s adult children, including Shari and Chad Franke, who experienced the turmoil first-hand. Shari, Ruby’s eldest daughter, has especially been vocal about her mother’s actions and their impact on the family. She recently published a memoir detailing her experiences alongside the tragic narrative of their YouTube fame unraveling into a public nightmare.
Unseen Footage and Exclusive Interviews
One of the most compelling aspects of the series is the inclusion of previously unseen footage from the Franke family’s YouTube channel, alongside in-depth interviews with family members. This blend of personal accounts and shocking revelations aims to provide viewers with a comprehensive look at how Ruby Franke’s public persona masked a troubling reality.
An Urgent Conversation About Family Vlogging
The docuseries raises crucial questions about the ethics surrounding family vlogging and the responsibilities that come with broadcasting family life online. Shari Franke has taken on the role of an advocate following the events, calling for stricter regulations that protect child influencers. She argues that many family vloggers might inadvertently exploit their children for views and income, often at their expense.
What This Means for the Future
As conversations around the impacts of social media on families continue, Ruby Franke’s story stands at the forefront. It invites viewers not only to witness the consequences of unchecked fame but also to engage in discussions about child welfare in digital spaces. The upcoming docuseries promises to be a powerful examination of a family broken by fame and the urgent need for protective measures for child influencers.
Looking Ahead
With the premiere of Devil in the Family: The Fall of Ruby Franke just around the corner, many are eager to see how the series portrays the complexity of family dynamics versus the image curated for online adoration. As more people tune in, this unfolding story will likely inspire individuals to reflect on familial relationships, the authenticity of online lifestyles, and the imperative need for safeguarding the most vulnerable.
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Ruby and Jodi’s Arrest | August 2023 |
| Hulu Documentary Release | February 27, 2024 |
| Shari’s Book Release | TBD 2024 |
