If you’ve been scrolling through Hulu lately, you probably saw a thumbnail that stopped you cold. It’s that face. Ruby Franke. The woman who once stood as the pinnacle of the "perfect" Mormon mommy vlogger, now synonymous with a case so dark it feels like a script from a horror movie. But it’s not fiction.
The internet is currently buzzing about the ruby franke hulu episodes, specifically the explosive three-part docuseries titled Devil in the Family: The Fall of Ruby Franke. It’s heavy. Honestly, it's a lot to stomach if you followed the 8 Passengers YouTube channel back in the day when things seemed... well, normal-ish.
People are searching for these episodes because they want to understand the "why." How does a mom with 2.5 million followers go from filming grocery hauls to being sentenced to up to 30 years in prison for aggravated child abuse?
What’s Actually in the Ruby Franke Hulu Episodes?
Hulu didn't just rehash the news clips we all saw in 2023. They went deep. The series, which premiered in early 2025, is broken down into three specific chapters that trace the family's trajectory from internet royalty to total collapse.
- Episode 1: Abundance. This one focuses on the early days. It’s weirdly nostalgic and creepy at the same time. You see the "8 Passengers" era—the bright lights, the staged smiles, and the massive house in Springville, Utah. Kevin Franke, Ruby's ex-husband, talks about how Ruby wanted to be an "instrument in the hands of God." It sounds noble until you see what that actually meant.
- Episode 2: Distortion. This is where Jodi Hildebrandt enters the picture. If Ruby was the fuel, Jodi was the match. This episode covers the rise of "ConneXions," their bizarre life-coaching business. You start to see the family fracture. The kids get "canceled" in their own home. Bedrooms are taken away. Food is withheld. It’s the middle of the spiral.
- Episode 3: Truth. This is the hard one. It covers the August 2023 arrest after Ruby’s 12-year-old son escaped through a window and ran to a neighbor’s house for help. He was emaciated. He had duct tape on his ankles. The episode features bodycam footage that hasn't been widely seen, plus interviews with Shari and Chad, the two eldest children.
Why Everyone is Talking About "Devil in the Family"
The series isn't just another true crime cash-grab. It’s actually been cited by critics, including The Guardian, as "next-level TV" because of the sheer volume of raw footage. We're talking over a thousand hours of unseen rushes from their YouTube days.
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Imagine seeing the "outtakes" of a family vlog where the mom stops smiling and starts berating a child the second the record button is off. It’s chilling.
The Jodi Hildebrandt Factor
You can't talk about the ruby franke hulu episodes without talking about Jodi. She was the therapist who basically moved into the Franke home. The documentary suggests their relationship was "uncomfortably intimate," according to Kevin. They weren't just business partners; they were in a sort of shared delusion.
They genuinely believed the children were possessed by evil spirits. They thought pain was the only way to "save" them. It’s a classic case of shared psychotic disorder (folie à deux), though that’s a clinical term for a very human nightmare.
Beyond the Docuseries: Other Hulu Content
If you finish Devil in the Family and still have questions (and you will), Hulu also hosts the ABC News 20/20 special titled Ruby Franke: From Momfluencer to Felon.
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While the docuseries is more of a cinematic deep dive, the 20/20 episode is more journalistic. It’s got John Quiñones reporting and focuses heavily on the legal timeline. If you’re short on time and can’t commit to a three-hour series, the 20/20 episode is basically the "SparkNotes" version of the tragedy.
What Most People Get Wrong
There’s a common misconception that the neighbors did nothing.
The Hulu episodes actually set the record straight here. Neighbors did call Child Protective Services (CPS) multiple times. They noticed the kids weren't outside. They noticed the "ghost-like" appearance of the home. But because Ruby and Jodi were so good at manipulating the system—and because Utah’s laws regarding parental rights are incredibly strong—the authorities often had their hands tied until the boy actually escaped.
It’s a frustrating watch. You’ll find yourself yelling at the screen.
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The Reality of Family Vlogging in 2026
This case changed everything. Since the Franke arrest, states like California have passed laws (like Senate Bill 764) to protect children in "kidfluencer" families. The ruby franke hulu episodes serve as a grim reminder of what happens when there are no boundaries between private life and public performance.
Shari Franke, the eldest daughter, has become a massive advocate for these kids. In the documentary, she speaks with a level of maturity that is frankly heartbreaking. She’s not just a victim; she’s a survivor who is trying to make sure this doesn't happen to the next generation of YouTube kids.
How to Watch Safely
Look, this isn't "background noise" television. It’s intense. If you’re sensitive to stories involving child distress, maybe skip the third episode or watch it with a friend. The descriptions of what the police found in Jodi's house—the cayenne pepper and honey used on wounds, the handcuffs—are graphic.
Actionable Next Steps:
- Watch in Order: Start with Devil in the Family: The Fall of Ruby Franke (3 episodes) for the full narrative arc before watching the 20/20 special.
- Check the Rating: These episodes are rated TV-MA for a reason. Keep them away from younger viewers who might find the themes of "demon possession" and abuse traumatizing.
- Follow the Legal Updates: Ruby and Jodi were sentenced in early 2024. Under Utah law, even with multiple counts, the maximum they can serve is 30 years. Their first parole hearings are the next big milestone to watch for in the news.
- Support Advocacy: If the docuseries moves you, look into organizations like A Child's Hope or local CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates) programs that help children in similar high-control environments.