The shocking downfall of mommy vlogger Ruby Franke and her business partner Jodi Hildebrandt, once the faces of the wholesome "8 Passengers" YouTube channel, has captivated the world, leading to multiple documentary and movie projects detailing the horrific child abuse case. As of today, December 11, 2025, there is not just one, but several compelling deep-dives into the story, each available on a different streaming platform, making it a little confusing for viewers trying to find the definitive account.
This comprehensive guide breaks down exactly where you can watch the most talked-about docuseries and films covering the former "8 Passengers" matriarch, including the must-see details on the streaming homes for Devil in the Family: The Fall of Ruby Franke and Ruby & Jodi: A Cult of Sin and Influence, ensuring you don't miss any part of this disturbing true crime story.
Who is Ruby Franke? A Brief Biography and the 8 Passengers Channel
To fully grasp the magnitude of the documentaries, it helps to understand the scope of Ruby Franke's former online influence. She was the mother of six children and the central figure of the hugely popular 8 Passengers YouTube channel, which documented her family's daily life, parenting style, and adherence to her Latter-day Saints (LDS) faith.
- Full Name: Ruby Franke (née Griffiths)
- Date of Birth: January 18, 1982
- Place of Birth: Utah, USA
- Spouse: Kevin Franke (estranged)
- Children: Shari Franke, Chad Franke, Abby Franke, Julie Franke, Russell Franke, Eve Franke (six total)
- YouTube Channel: 8 Passengers (Active from 2015 to 2023, now deleted)
- Controversy Start: Began facing criticism for her severe parenting methods and public shaming of her children on the channel.
- Business Partner/Accomplice: Jodi Hildebrandt (founder of the "ConneXions" life-coaching service).
- Arrest Date: August 30, 2023 (following her 12-year-old son, R.F., escaping from Jodi Hildebrandt’s home).
- Conviction: Pleaded guilty to four counts of aggravated child abuse in December 2023.
- Sentence: Sentenced to four consecutive terms of 1 to 15 years in prison in February 2024.
The 8 Passengers YouTube channel gained millions of subscribers by showcasing a seemingly idyllic family life, but behind the scenes, the methods Ruby Franke promoted—often in collaboration with Jodi Hildebrandt and her ConneXions program—were increasingly viewed as abusive and cult-like. The documentary series explore how this public facade crumbled into a criminal investigation and subsequent conviction.
The Definitive Docuseries: Where to Watch 'Devil in the Family: The Fall of Ruby Franke'
One of the most comprehensive and widely discussed docuseries on the scandal is the three-part series, "Devil in the Family: The Fall of Ruby Franke." This production focuses heavily on the timeline of the abuse, the role of the ConneXions program, and the perspectives of family members who spoke out.
Streaming Platform for 'Devil in the Family'
The primary and current home for "Devil in the Family: The Fall of Ruby Franke" is Hulu.
- Title: Devil in the Family: The Fall of Ruby Franke
- Format: 3-part Docuseries
- Where to Stream: Hulu (Requires a subscription to the streaming service).
- Key Focus: Features interviews and analysis of the abuse, the legal case, and the family dynamics, including the estranged husband Kevin Franke and eldest daughter Shari Franke.
If you are looking for the most in-depth, journalistic look at the case, the Hulu series is often cited as the place to start. It covers the transition from the family vlogging lifestyle to the shocking details of the abuse that led to the arrests of both Ruby Franke and Jodi Hildebrandt.
Alternative Viewing Options: 'Ruby & Jodi' and 'Mormon Mom Gone Wrong'
Due to the intense public interest in the Ruby Franke case, multiple production companies quickly developed their own projects. This means viewers have more than one option to choose from, depending on their preferred streaming service or format (documentary vs. movie).
1. Ruby & Jodi: A Cult of Sin and Influence (Docuseries)
This is another major documentary series that specifically highlights the relationship and dynamic between the two convicted women: Ruby Franke and Jodi Hildebrandt. The title itself emphasizes the cult-like system they operated under the guise of therapy and discipline.
- Title: Ruby & Jodi: A Cult of Sin and Influence
- Format: Docuseries (often four parts)
- Where to Stream: This series is available on several platforms, including Discovery+ and HBO Max (now simply Max).
- Key Focus: Explores the ConneXions program, how the two women met, and the influence Hildebrandt had over Franke, leading to the severe neglect and abuse.
For those who want to understand the psychological manipulation and the cult of influence that developed around Franke and Hildebrandt, this series provides a focused look at their partnership.
2. Mormon Mom Gone Wrong: The Ruby Franke Story (Lifetime Movie)
Unlike the docuseries, this is a made-for-TV movie that dramatizes the events leading up to the arrest. While not a documentary in the traditional sense, it is a highly publicized and accessible piece of content covering the scandal.
- Title: Mormon Mom Gone Wrong: The Ruby Franke Story
- Format: Fictionalized Movie (based on true events)
- Where to Watch: The movie premiered on Lifetime. You can typically find it streaming on the Lifetime app or website, and it is also available for purchase or rent on services like Apple TV.
- Key Focus: Dramatizes the life of the Franke family as they transitioned from their popular YouTube channel to the isolation and abuse orchestrated by Ruby and Jodi.
Understanding the Key Entities and Topical Authority
The story of the 8 Passengers scandal is not just about one family; it involves a network of individuals and entities that contributed to the narrative. Establishing topical authority requires understanding these core elements:
- Ruby Franke: The central figure and mother who used her vlogging platform to showcase her strict parenting.
- Jodi Hildebrandt: The rogue therapist and life coach whose ConneXions company provided the framework for the abusive practices.
- Kevin Franke: Ruby's estranged husband, who was reportedly separated from the family and unaware of the full extent of the abuse.
- Shari Franke: The eldest daughter who publicly distanced herself from her mother and played a key role in bringing the truth to light.
- 8 Passengers: The now-defunct YouTube channel that served as the public face of the family.
- ConneXions: The controversial life-coaching service founded by Jodi Hildebrandt, which the documentaries argue was a vehicle for control and abuse.
- Child Abuse: The core crime, involving severe malnutrition, physical injuries, and emotional torment of the younger children.
- Utah County Jail: Where Ruby Franke and Jodi Hildebrandt were initially held following their arrest in Springville, Utah.
- Utah State Prison: Where both women are now serving their respective sentences.
Whether you choose to watch the Hulu docuseries, the Discovery+ series, or the Lifetime movie, all projects aim to answer the public's curiosity about how a popular mommy vlogger could descend into such a severe criminal act. The story serves as a chilling cautionary tale about the dark side of family vlogging and the dangers of extreme, unregulated life coaching.
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