Hulu's "The Devil in the Family" Offers Shocking New Insights into Ruby Franke Case

The gripping Hulu documentary The Devil in the Family: The Fall of Ruby Franke provides a powerful and disturbing look at the rise and fall of the once-popular mommy vlogger turned convicted child abuser. Spanning three parts, the series delves far deeper than media headlines, offering exclusive interviews and never-before-seen footage that sheds new light on the shocking case.

Franke, who once ran a successful family YouTube channel bringing in up to $100,000 a month, pleaded guilty to severe child abuse charges that shocked her large online following. Directed by Olly Lambert, the documentary features emotional interviews with her two oldest children, Shari and Chad, as well as her estranged husband, Kevin Franke, who has reportedly filed for divorce.

One of the most harrowing elements of the series is the inclusion of raw, unreleased video outtakes from the family’s vlogs. These clips paint a chilling picture behind the curated image of a happy, wholesome family. In one scene, Ruby scolds her young daughter to “just be yourself,” only to harshly retort, “Well then change it,” when the child replies, “That is myself.” In another moment, she pressures her son to “fake being happy” for the camera, tying his participation to a financial incentive.

While the documentary certainly explores themes of control, religion, and emotional manipulation, it also critiques the darker side of influencer culture. The Devil in the Family examines how platforms like YouTube can obscure abuse under the guise of relatable family content. What looks like cheerful, close-knit vlogging often masks something much more sinister.

This is not just a story of personal tragedy; it's a cautionary tale about the dangers of digital performance and the illusion of authenticity online. The documentary serves as a stark reminder that behind every seemingly perfect family vlog, there may be a very different reality.