Inside the Ruby Franke Scandal: Hulu’s Explosive Series Unveils Secrets of the ‘8 Passengers’ Saga

Hulu has announced a new original docuseries titled “Devil in the Family: The Fall of Ruby Franke,” produced by Passion Pictures. The three-part series is scheduled to premiere on February 27, 2025, exclusively on Hulu. Subscribers to the Hulu and Disney+ Bundle will also have access to the series via Disney+.

The docuseries delves into the dramatic downfall of Ruby Franke, a once-popular family vlogger known for her YouTube channel “8 Passengers.” In August 2023, Franke was arrested on charges of aggravated child abuse, a case that quickly became a national sensation. At its peak, the “8 Passengers” channel boasted 2.5 million subscribers, captivated by the portrayal of a wholesome family life. However, as the series reveals, the reality behind the camera was far from idyllic.

Facing challenges within the family, the Frankes sought guidance from counselor Jodi Hildebrandt. Instead of finding solutions, they became entangled in a troubling situation that escalated into a nightmare. “Devil in the Family” provides an in-depth exploration of these events, featuring exclusive interviews with the Frankes’ two eldest children, Shari and Chad, and Ruby’s husband, Kevin. This marks the first time they have shared their experiences on camera.

The series offers unprecedented access to the Franke family, including insights from friends and neighbors, and incorporates over a thousand hours of previously unseen footage from their YouTube channel. It aims to move beyond social media reactions, presenting an untold story that intertwines family tragedy, a coming-of-age journey, and a cautionary tale about the dangers of living life online.

“Devil in the Family: The Fall of Ruby Franke” is directed by Olly Lambert and produced by Passion Pictures, known for their compelling documentary work.

Ruby Franke gained prominence through her YouTube channel “8 Passengers,” where she documented her family’s daily life. Concerns about her parenting methods began to surface in 2020, leading to increased scrutiny. In August 2023, Franke and her business partner, Jodi Hildebrandt, were arrested and charged with multiple counts of aggravated child abuse. In December 2023, Franke pleaded guilty to four counts and was sentenced to serve between four and thirty years in prison.

This docuseries joins Hulu’s robust lineup of documentaries, including titles such as “God Forbid: The Sex Scandal That Brought Down a Dynasty,” “Victoria’s Secret: Angels and Demons,” “Stolen Youth: The Cult at Sarah Lawrence,” “Freaknik: The Wildest Party Never Told,” “The Perfect Wife: The Mysterious Disappearance of Sherri Papini,” and “Road Diary: Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band.”

“Devil in the Family: The Fall of Ruby Franke” promises to provide a comprehensive and intimate look into a case that captivated the nation, shedding light on the complexities and perils of family life under the scrutiny of the digital age.