Ruby Franke was once a popular YouTuber, known for her family vlogs on the channel 8 Passengers. She and her husband, Kevin, showcased their life with their six kids, gaining millions of followers. However, in August 2023, everything changed when Ruby was arrested and charged with severe child abuse. What was once a picture-perfect family quickly became a cautionary tale about the dangers of family vlogging.
The Rise of the 8 Passengers Channel
Ruby and Kevin Franke started their YouTube channel 8 Passengers in 2015. The channel grew quickly, with Ruby sharing tips on parenting, family routines, and daily life with her children. For a while, everything seemed normal, like any other wholesome family vlog. Many viewers started to notice that Ruby’s way of raising her kids seemed harsh and controlling. Her strict methods became more controversial, but Ruby and Kevin continued to post videos, presenting their family as perfect.
Franke’s Shocking Arrest and Charges
In August 2023, Ruby Franke and her business partner, Jodi Hildebrandt, were arrested after Ruby’s 12-year-old son managed to escape their home. Hildebrandt’s neighbors dialed 911 after the 12-year-old escaped through a window and came to their house asking for food and water. They noticed duct tape around his ankles and contacted authorities. The child was then taken to the hospital for injuries caused by being restrained with rope.
Eventually, the police arrived at Hildebrandt’s home, they discovered Franke’s 10-year-old daughter. She appeared malnourished and her head was shaved. Meanwhile, Franke’s two other minor children were found at her own residence. All four children were placed in protective custody.
It still remains unclear why Franke and two of her children were staying at Hildebrandt’s home.
Finally, in December 2023, Ruby pled guilty to four counts of aggravated child abuse. In February 2024, she was sentenced to prison. Her term will last anywhere from four to thirty years, determined by a parole board.
The Documentary: Devil In The Family: The Fall of Ruby Franke
As Ruby’s case continued to unfold, the media began paying more attention. This resulted in the creation of a new Hulu documentary called Devil in the Family: The Fall of Ruby Franke. The documentary was released on February 27, 2025, and it dives deeper into Ruby’s life, showing how she went from being a popular family vlogger to being convicted.
The documentary will feature interviews with law enforcement, former neighbors, her husband Kevin, and most importantly, Ruby’s older children. These interviews will give us a closer look at what was really happening at the Franke home. Revealing the emotional and psychological damage caused by Ruby’s extreme parenting. Through these conversations, viewers will get to hear from the children who were once silenced by the family’s public image.
Recent Interviews on Good Morning America
Along with the documentary, Ruby’s children have started to speak out about their experiences. Recently, some of them sat down for interviews on Good Morning America, where they shared their personal stories about the abuse they suffered. These interviews have been heartbreaking, with the children describing the manipulation and fear they lived with every day.
The interviews have been eye-opening, giving the public a better understanding of the emotional toll the Franke children endured. Showing the contrast between the “happy family” image that Ruby put out online and the reality of what life was like at home. These interviews have allowed Ruby’s children to take back their voices, helping them feel heard and supported.
What’s Next for Ruby Franke’s Children
The most important question after Ruby’s arrest is what will happen to her children. The youngest kids were taken away from the home and placed into protective custody, however, the older children, like Shari Franke, have been speaking out and sharing their experiences publicly.
In January 2025, Shari published a memoir called The House of My Mother: A Daughter’s Quest for Freedom, where she opens up about growing up in a house full of fear and manipulation. In the book, she talks about how Ruby’s harsh control and emotional abuse affected her, offering a powerful look at what it was really like inside the Franke home.
Finally, the children are now focused on healing and rebuilding their lives, their bravery in telling their stories will help shine a light on the dangers of family vlogging. Their courage will also raise awareness about how important it is for children’s safety and well-being to come first, even in the world of social media.
The Dark Side of Family Vlogging
Ruby’s downfall serves as a harsh warning about the dangers of family vlogging. What may seem like innocent content can sometimes hide deeper issues. When children are used for views, likes, and money, their well-being can be overlooked, and extreme parenting can go unnoticed. Ruby’s case raises serious questions about the responsibility of parents who share their kids’ lives online and whether enough is being done to protect them from harm.
Ruby’s story has sparked a larger conversation about the need for more protections for children involved in online content. It’s clear that more needs to be done to ensure that families are held accountable for the safety of their children, especially when they are being filmed for a public audience.
Ruby Franke’s scandal is one of tragedy, betrayal, and unimaginable pain. As the Devil in the Family documentary and Shari Franke’s memoir offer a closer look at what went on behind closed doors, the hope is that Ruby’s case will lead to more awareness about the risks of family vlogging.
