“Devil in the Family”: Hulu Docuseries Exposes Dark Side of YouTube Family Vloggers

A new Hulu docuseries, “Devil in the Family: The Fall of Ruby Franke,” delves into the disturbing story of a seemingly perfect YouTube family whose façade crumbled when the parents were arrested for child abuse. The series offers shocking revelations about the Franke family, known for their channel “8 Passengers,” and the manipulative influence of Ruby Franke’s business partner, Jodi Hildebrandt.

Behind the Smiles:

• Forced Performances and Unhappy Children: The docuseries utilizes unseen footage from the family’s archive, revealing Ruby Franke’s controlling behavior and the children’s discomfort with the constant filming. Chad Franke, the eldest son, admits to “hating” his mother and the YouTube channel.
• Hildebrandt’s Growing Influence: The series details how Hildebrandt, a life coach with controversial methods, gained influence over the Franke family, ultimately driving a wedge between them and manipulating their lives.
• Kevin Franke’s Complicity: Kevin Franke, the patriarch, admits to being aware of Hildebrandt’s manipulative tactics and the cult-like nature of her ConneXions program but prioritized his marriage over his children’s well-being.
• Abuse and Neglect: While Kevin Franke claims he was unaware of the abuse, the series highlights the escalating concerns of neighbors and the devastating impact of Ruby Franke and Hildebrandt’s actions on the children.

Key Revelations:

• Ruby Franke’s Manipulation: The series exposes Ruby Franke’s manipulative behavior, showcasing her anger and frustration when her family didn’t perform as expected for the camera.
• Hildebrandt’s Cult-like Influence: Multiple interviewees describe ConneXions as a cult-like organization, with Hildebrandt as the controlling figurehead.
• Kevin Franke’s Regret: Kevin Franke expresses remorse for his inaction and admits to prioritizing his marriage over his children’s safety.
• The Children’s Suffering: The series highlights the emotional and psychological trauma endured by the Franke children, emphasizing the devastating consequences of their parents’ actions.

A Cautionary Tale:

“Devil in the Family” serves as a chilling reminder of the dark side of online fame and the potential for manipulation and abuse within seemingly perfect families. The series raises important questions about the responsibility of parents and the impact of social media on family dynamics.

A Must-Watch:

This docuseries is a must-watch for anyone interested in true crime, the impact of social media, and the complexities of family relationships. It’s a disturbing yet essential story that sheds light on the dark side of online fame and the importance of protecting children.