The shocking child abuse case of family vlogger Ruby Franke and her business partner Jodi Hildebrandt is now the focus of explosive documentaries exposing their crimes. Free streaming options reveal how these once-beloved YouTube personalities manipulated and abused children under the guise of “parenting advice.”
With both women serving prison sentences of up to 30 years, the films feature harrowing accounts from victims and examine the systemic failures that allowed the abuse to continue. From psychological warfare to current updates on Franke’s six children, these documentaries unpack a true-crime tragedy that shocked the world.
- The Ruby Franke and Jodi Hildebrandt documentary exposes shocking child abuse, psychological manipulation, and their current prison sentences, with free viewing options available on platforms like Hulu and Discovery+.
- Jodi Hildebrandt’s cult-like tactics, including gaslighting and isolation, brainwashed Ruby Franke into believing her children were “demonic,” leading to severe abuse documented in court records and Franke’s journals.
- Franke’s six children are now in therapy or foster care, with her ex-husband Kevin regaining custody of four, while Hildebrandt was denied parole in 2025 due to high reoffending risk.
Where to Watch Ruby and Jodi Documentary Free: Streaming Platforms Revealed
The harrowing case of Ruby Franke and Jodi Hildebrandt—once celebrated family vloggers turned convicted child abusers—has been documented in multiple films, including Hulu’s record-breaking Devil in the Family: The Fall of Ruby Franke. Viewers can access these exposés through free trials on platforms like Hulu, Discovery+, and Tubi, while some services offer pay-per-view rentals. The four-part series Ruby & Jodi: A Cult of Sin and Influence dissects Hildebrandt’s psychological manipulation tactics and Franke’s descent into brutality under her influence.
Key Streaming Options
- Hulu: Free 7-day trial available
- Discovery+: Includes bonus interviews with investigators
- Tubi: Ad-supported free viewing

The Twisted Psychology Behind Ruby Franke and Jodi Hildebrandt’s Crimes
Hildebrandt’s ConneXions program, marketed as Mormon-focused life coaching, served as a front for systematic abuse. Former clients describe her methods as religious gaslighting, where she convinced Franke that her children were “possessed” and required extreme discipline. Journal entries reveal Franke believed withholding food and medical care was “spiritual cleansing.”
Manipulation Tactics Employed
| Tactic | Evidence |
|---|---|
| Isolation | Franke was separated from her husband for 13 months |
| Sleep Deprivation | Children were forced to stand for hours overnight |



Where Are Ruby Franke’s Children Now? Updates on the Victims
Franke’s six children faced varying degrees of trauma, with the youngest requiring hospitalization for malnutrition. Her eldest daughter Shari now advocates for child protection laws, while the four middle children live with their father Kevin. The two youngest remain in therapeutic foster care due to severe PTSD from being duct-taped and denied food.
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Prison Updates: Are Ruby Franke and Jodi Hildebrandt Still Incarcerated?
Both women serve 4-30 year sentences at Utah’s women’s prison, though in separate units after Hildebrandt attempted to influence Franke behind bars. Hildebrandt was denied parole in 2025 after psychologists noted her continued justification of abuse, while Franke reportedly participates in rehabilitation programs but still defends some actions as “parental discipline.”
Systemic Failures: How This Abuse Went Unchecked for Years
The case exposes gaps in multiple systems:
- YouTube’s monetization of family vlogging without child welfare oversight
- Utah’s reluctance to investigate prominent Mormon families
- Medical providers dismissing signs of malnutrition
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Lessons Learned: Protecting Children from Similar Predators
The case prompted Utah to pass “Ruby’s Law,” mandating closer scrutiny of family vloggers. Key warning signs include:
- Parents describing children as “evil” or “demonic”
- Sudden isolation from extended family
- Justification of pain as “character building”
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