In the realm of family vlogging, few names were as prominent as Ruby Franke. Through her YouTube channel, “8 Passengers,” she invited millions into her family’s daily life, portraying a seemingly wholesome and disciplined household. However, beneath this polished veneer lay a troubling reality that has since come to light, culminating in her arrest and the subsequent release of Hulu’s docuseries, “Devil in the Family: The Fall of Ruby Franke.”
The Rise of ‘8 Passengers’
Launched in 2015, “8 Passengers” chronicled the lives of Ruby, her husband Kevin, and their six children. The channel quickly gained traction, amassing nearly 3 million subscribers who were drawn to the family’s dynamics and Ruby’s parenting insights. Viewers admired the Frankes’ commitment to structure and values, often seeking advice on child-rearing and family management.
Early Signs of Concern
As the channel’s popularity grew, so did scrutiny over Ruby’s parenting methods. Certain disciplinary actions showcased in the videos raised eyebrows among viewers. Incidents such as withholding meals as punishment and sending their eldest son, Chad, to a wilderness therapy program for behavioral issues sparked debates about the appropriateness and potential harm of such measures. Despite the growing concern, Ruby defended her approach, attributing it to her commitment to instilling discipline and responsibility in her children.
The Alarming Unraveling
The facade of the idyllic family life began to crumble in August 2023. Ruby Franke and her business associate, Jodi Hildebrandt, were arrested on six felony counts each of aggravated child abuse. The arrest followed a harrowing incident where Franke’s 12-year-old son escaped from Hildebrandt’s home, appearing emaciated and bearing signs of severe physical abuse. The child sought help from neighbors, leading to a swift response from law enforcement.
Revelations from the Journal
During the investigation, authorities discovered a journal maintained by Ruby, detailing the abuse inflicted upon her children. The entries revealed a disturbing belief that her two youngest children were possessed by demons, leading to extreme disciplinary measures aimed at “purifying” them. These measures included physical punishments and emotional abuse, all under the guise of religious extremism.
The Legal Proceedings
In December 2023, Ruby Franke pleaded guilty to four counts of aggravated child abuse. She was sentenced to serve between 4 to 30 years in prison, with the exact duration to be determined by the Utah Board of Pardons and Parole. Hildebrandt, a former sex therapist and founder of the religious network ConneXions, also pleaded guilty to the same charges and received a similar sentence.
The Impact on the Franke Family
The aftermath of these events has been profoundly challenging for the Franke children. The two eldest, Shari and Chad, have been vocal about their experiences, participating in interviews and sharing their perspectives in the Hulu docuseries. Shari, in particular, has used her platform to advocate for her siblings and raise awareness about the dangers of unchecked parental authority masked as discipline.
Kevin Franke, Ruby’s estranged husband, filed for divorce following her arrest and has been seeking custody of their children. He has expressed deep remorse over the situation, acknowledging the signs he missed and his failure to protect his children from the abuse they endured.
Hulu’s ‘Devil in the Family’ Docuseries
In February 2025, Hulu premiered “Devil in the Family: The Fall of Ruby Franke,” a three-part docuseries directed by Olly Lambert. The series delves into the stark contrast between the Frankes’ public persona and the hidden abuse within the family. Featuring unreleased footage from the “8 Passengers” YouTube channel and interviews with family members, including Kevin, Shari, and Chad, the docuseries provides an intimate look into the dynamics that led to the tragic downfall.
The docuseries has sparked widespread discussions about the ethics of family vlogging, the potential for exploitation, and the fine line between discipline and abuse. It serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of projecting a curated image while concealing harmful behaviors behind closed doors.
Reflections on Family Vlogging and Child Welfare
The tragic events surrounding Ruby Franke have ignited a broader conversation about the responsibilities of family vloggers and the potential risks their children face. While sharing family life can create a sense of community and relatability, it also raises concerns about privacy, consent, and the potential for exploitation.
Advocates are calling for stricter regulations to protect minors featured in online content. There is a growing consensus that children should have a say in how they are portrayed and that their welfare must be prioritized over content creation and monetization.
The story of Ruby Franke is a sobering reminder of the complexities behind the curated images presented on social media platforms. It underscores the importance of vigilance, empathy, and the need to protect vulnerable individuals from abuse, regardless of the facade displayed to the public. As viewers and consumers of digital content, it is crucial to approach online portrayals with a discerning eye, recognizing that reality may differ significantly from what is presented.