Motherhood has been the topic of several conversations in recent years, but no one expected to see the rise of the popular "mom-fluencer" — or the stark decline of them á la Ruby Franke.
The mom-fluencer is sometimes been portrayed as the mom who's always smiling with her kids in pictures or as the mom who doesn't have it all together. Nonetheless, you can count of seeing BTS moments of her family's "hectic" lives, DIY activities, and fun vacations. We don't think anything is wrong with creating genuine family content, but portraying yourself as a wholesome mom who loves her kids when you're abusive is devilish.
Ruby Franke detailed a beautiful family life on YouTube, but it became clear something was amiss and once the disgraced counselor Jodi Hildebrandt entered the Frankes' lives, things took a terrifying turn for the worse which led to Ruby being arrested for child abuse in 2023.
For the first time, Ruby Franke's ex-husband Kevin Franke and their two oldest children are ready to tell their side of the story in a new Hulu documentary and it's as chilling as you'd expect.
Hulu
Ruby Franke
Hulu's no stranger to covering true crime and other documentaries,y so it's no surprise they're willing to explore Ruby Franke's case. Appropriately titled Devil in the Family: The Fall of Ruby Franke, this documentary's primary goal is to understand what happened to the Frankes.
The world's introduction to the family was via their Eight Passengers YouTube channel (second page dedicated to them) which was spearheaded by family matriarch Ruby Franke. Featuring short vlogs about life with "six active kids," it was meant to be a space so they could "find true joy in the journey." Despite the fact Kevin Franke revealed their main channel was bringing in over $100,000, there didn't seem to be a ton of job behind the scenes given the crime-ridden fallout (via Vanity Fair).
But, don't expect to look at Devil in the Family: The Fall of Ruby Franke from a true crime angle.
Disney/Kai Pfaffenbach
Kevin Franke
"I know everyone expects this to be true crime, but I’ve watched true-crime documentaries, and this isn't it," Kevin Franke said in an interview with Vanity Fair. Even the documentary's director Olly Lambert said he's "never made, and would never make just a true-crime thing," although the media outlet pointed out he directed Abused: The Untold Story which details Jimmy Savile's salacious crimes.
Viewers will be able to see snippets from prior vlogs that include Ruby Franke's double personalities and also seems to explain how Kevin Franke was duped into allowing Jodi Hildebrandt to live with the couple in 2021. According to Lambert, he believes this is one of the ways she was able to manipulate the family. "We’ve met quite a lot of people who worked with Jodi, and it was a very common theme that Jodi really was gifted at seeing through people—reading them with such accuracy. But she used it to such bad ends, because she very quickly…what she would see is a way to exploit people. A way to manipulate them," (via Vanity Fair).
Kevin Franke also said, "One of the things that’s been so frustrating for me has been feeling silenced or muzzled—not being able to speak and having people make assumptions that just aren’t accurate." From his POV, this gives him the chance to "take control" of the narrative that's been spun about him.
Disney/Kai Pfaffenbach
Shari Franke
This may stem from the book he and Ruby Franke's daughter, Shari Franke, released last month. Titled The House of My Mother: A Daughter's Quest for Freedom, it sheds light on how controlling her mother was. Not only that, but Shari points out the religious fanaticism her mother succumbed to and the daunting reality of Jodi Hildebrandt's coaching program "ConneXions."
From her perspective, she felt her father wasn't actively present which gave her mom freedom to impose her strong will onto the Franke children.
Disney/Kai Pfaffenbach
Chad Franke
In Chad Franke's case, he never seemed like he wanted to be a part of the YouTube channel. There are moments in Devil in the Family where he doesn't seem enthusiastic about being on camera which prompted his sister Shari to say things like "pretend like you're happy" or "act like you're happy" (via Vanity Fair).
He also revealed the stark difference between how his mom acted when she was filmed and when she wasn't. "...there was a large difference between her just telling me to be myself, and then, you know, when we were doing a brand deal or working with a company — then I was to say exactly what the company would ask me to say."
It makes sense he celebrated the anniversary of his mom's arrest last year by writing "Happy Prisonversary" over her picture on social media (via PEOPLE).
Hulu
Ruby Franke
Throughout the documentary, it feels that Kevin Franke took a passive approach to being in his children's lives which led to Ruby Franke and Jodi Hildebrandt taking advantage of them. Vanity Fair recounted how Ruby even resorted to saying she believed her children were under demonic possession and needed to save her kids.
Whatever the case, the Franke children will have to heal from the trauma inflicted on them by someone who should've been protecting and loving them. It's a sad situation that should've never resulted in Devil in the Family: The Fall of Ruby Franke being filmed, but we're glad someone decided to allow siblings Shari and Chad Franke a chance to share their side of the story.
You can watch all episodes of Devil in the Family: The Fall of Ruby Franke on Hulu starting today!
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I'm still thinking about Jonathan Bailey in this summer's Jurassic World: Rebirth and the adorable first look at Lilo & Stitch, but before I get too ahead of myself and start thinking about summer, there are some incredible new movies coming in March! From reimagined Disney classics to horror thrillers, these are the best spring movies you can watch next month...alongside these amazing March TV shows, of course.
Warner Bros. Entertainment
When two twin brothers venture out in search of a better life, they come to the horrifying realization their future is just as sinister as their past.
Sinners premieres March 5 and stars Michael B. Jordan, Hailee Steinfeld, Jack O’Connell, Wunmi Mosaku, Jayme Lawson, Omar Benson Miller, and Delroy Lindo.
Warner Bros. Pictures
Mickey Barnes has one job: colonize the ice world of Niflheim, even if he dies in the process. After all, he's an Expandable, which means he can be cloned countless times. But everything changes when two Mickeys wind up surviving at the same time.
Mickey 17 premieres March 7 and stars Robert Pattinson, Naomi Ackie, Steven Yeun, Toni Collette, and Mark Ruffalo.
Angel Studios
Hope and courage (as well as danger) rise when a woman defies everything to help educate young girls in Afghanistan — and train them to compete in a robotics competition.
Rule Breakers premieres March 7 and stars Ali Fazal, Nikohl Boosheri, Amber Afzali, Nina Hosseinzadeh, Nada El Belkasmi, Sara Malal Rowe, and Noorin Gulamgaus.
SUMERIAN
Before we can watch Sydney Sweeney kick butt as boxer Christy Martin, tune into this March movie about wrestler and single mom Mildred Burke, who became the first million-dollar female athlete. Did I mention wrestling was banned in most parts of America?
Queen of the Ring premieres March 7 and stars Emily Bett Rickards, Josh Lucas, Tyler Posey, Kelli Berglund, Walton Goggins, Marie Avgeropoulos, and Gavin Casalegno.
Searchlight Pictures/Hulu
Farm girl O'Dessa sets out to find an invaluable family heirloom — and becomes a quest to save her one true love.
O'Dessa premieres March 13 and stars Sadie Sink, Kelvin Harrison Jr., Murray Bartlett, and Regina Hall.
A24
This March movie examines fame — and its dangers — like you've never seen before. When a pop star invites writer Ariel into his remote compound in an exclusive guest list, she jumps at the opportunity. But as her stay becomes more alarming, Ariel wonders just what she's gotten herself into.
Opus premieres March 14 and stars Ayo Edebiri, John Malkovich, Juliette Lewis, Murray Bartlett, Amber Midthunder, Stephanie Suganami, Young Mazino, and Tatanka Means.
Netflix
If 1923 season 2 totally has you in a Western mood, then turn on this sci-fi movie which follows teen Michelle on a journey to find her little brother. Naturally, she enlists the help of a robot and a drifter.
The Electric State premieres March 14 and stars Millie Bobby Brown, Chris Pratt, Ke Huy Quan, Jason Alexander, Woody Norman, Giancarlo Esposito, Stanley Tucci, Woody Harrelson, Anthony Mackie, Brian Cox, Jenny Slate, Hank Azaria, Colman Domingo, and Alan Tudyk.
Claudette Barius/Focus Features
Agent George Woodhouse must examine his loyalty to his marriage and to the country after his wife Kathryn becomes a major suspect. Mr. and Mrs. Smith fans this one's for you!
Black Bag premieres March 14 and stars Cate Blanchett, Michael Fassbender, Marisa Abela, Tom Burke, Naomie Harris, Regé-Jean Page, and Pierce Brosnan.
Roadside Attractions
20-something Lily is blindsided when her father suddenly abandons her. But when she connects with a man named Bob Trevino (her dad's name), their small acts of kindness could just change each other's lives.
Bob Trevino Likes It stars Barbie Ferreira, John Leguizamo, French Stewart, Lauren "Lolo" Spencer, and Rachel Bay Jones.
Walt Disney Studios
This reimagined Snow White is just as focused on justice and leadership as she is on love — but she's got the same amount of heart, imagination, and kindness as the cartoon you know and love.
Snow White premieres March 21 and stars Rachel Zegler, Gal Gadot, Andrew Burnap, and Ansu Kabia.
RLJE Films
Riya is left alone on the planet of Ash when her entire crew is killed. But when Brion comes to help her, the relief turns into terror as they decide whether they can trust each other — and whether they can make it off the planet alive.
Ash premieres March 21 and stars Eiza González, Aaron Paul, Iko Uwais, Beulah Koale, and Kate Elliott.
A24
This wacky new movie sees Jenna Ortega and Paul Rudd on a father-daughter roadtrip to visit his wealthy boss...but when they accidentally hit a real-life unicorn with their car, that aforementioned boss obsesses over exploiting the unicorn's healing properties.
Death of a Unicorn premieres March 28 and stars Paul Rudd, Jenna Ortega, Will Poulter, Téa Leoni, Richard E. Grant, Anthony Carrigan, Sunita Mani, and Jessica Hynes.
Which new movie are you most excited for? Let us know on Instagram!
I currently find myself in between a few TV shows, but I am simply yearning for an obsession with a new series. Good thing these new March TV shows are almost here! There's plenty of heartwarming goodness and hilarious hijinks to keep us busy all 31 days of the month. Check out The 8 Best TV Shows To Watch On Max This Month to tide you over.
ABC
Our March TV shows are starting with a bang thanks to the Oscars. Will Emilia Pérez beat Wicked (again)? Will Timothée Chalamet become the youngest Best Actor winner? Will Zendaya show up to support Dune but use her 'fit to reference her Challengers snub? Tune in to find out.
The Oscars airs March 2 and will be hosted by Conan O'Brien.
Marvel Television
Matt Murdock is FINALLY back, and he's fighting injustice in New York City — both with his daytime law job and his masked alter ego. And Wilson Fisk is out on his own political quest as things in the city continue to spiral.
Daredevil: Born Again premieres March 4 and stars Charlie Cox, Vincent D’Onofrio, Margarita Levieva, Deborah Ann Woll, Elden Henson, Wilson Bethel, Zabryna Guevara, Nikki M. James, Genneya Walton, Arty Froushan, Clark Johnson, Michael Gandolfini, Ayelet Zurer, and Jon Bernthal.
Netflix
Join Meghan Markle as she celebrates "cooking, gardening, entertaining, and friendship" (via Deadline), alongside some celebrity guests like Mindy Kaling!
With Love, Meghan premieres March 4 and is hosted by Meghan Markle.
Calvin Ashford/Netflix
Tyler Perry's new TV show follows successful business owner Mallory and Kimmie, who's just trying to survive after getting kicked out of her mom's home. And when these two women cross paths, everything changes.
Beauty in Black premieres March 6 and stars Taylor Polidore Williams, Amber Reign Smith, Crystle Stewart, Ricco Ross, Debbi Morgan, Richard Lawson, Steven G. Norfleet, Julian Horton, Terrell Carter, Shannon Wallace, Bryan Tanaka, Joy Rovaris, Xavier Smalls, Charles Malik Whitfield, Tamera “Tee” Kissen, Ursula O. Robinson, Ashley Versher, and George Middlebrook.
Elizabeth Sisson/Disney
Two Pakistani American brothers lose it all after the death of their father...and have to take his place in the criminal underworld when they learn about his secret business dealings.
Deli Boys premieres March 6 and stars Asif Ali, Saagar Shaikh, Poorna Jagannathan, Alfie Fuller, and Brian George.
Jake Giles Netter/HBO
The final season of The Righteous Gemstones follows this famed televangelist family as they try to move into the future (and into Hollywood?)...without forgetting their past.
The Righteous Gemstones premieres March 9 and stars Danny McBride, Adam Devine, John Goodman, Edi Patterson, Cassidy Freeman, Tim Baltz, Tony Cavalero, Greg Alan Williams, Skyler Gisondo, Walton Goggins, Jennifer Nettles, James DuMont, Jody Hill, Troy Hogan, Valyn Hall, Kelton DuMont, Gavin Munn, Megan Mullally, Arden Myrin, and Seann William Scott.
AMC Networks
Six months after season 2, Joe Leaphorn and Jim Chee are investigating two missing boys, while Bernadette Manuelito gets used to her new life...and a potential human & drug smuggling ring she finds.
Dark Winds premieres March 9 and stars Zahn McClarnon, Kiowa Gordon, Jessica Matten, Deanna Allison, Jenna Elfman, Bruce Greenwood, Raoul Max Trujillo, Tonantzin Carmelo, Alex Meraz, Terry Serpico, Derek Hinkey, Phil Burke, Christopher Heyerdahl, A Martinez, and Jeri Ryan.
Lifetime/A&E
After serving 8 years in prison for the murder of her mother, Gypsy Rose's new TV show follows Gypsy's life out in the world, reconciling her fame and reputation with who she actually wants to be — including her role as a new mom.
Gypsy Rose: Life After Lock Up season 2 premieres March 10 and stars Gypsy Rose Blanchard.
Julie Vrabelova/Prime
After officially becoming the Dragon Reborn, Rand and his friends have to stand against the Black Ajah and the Forsaken — and everything else trying to get the Dragon to abandon the Light.
The Wheel of Time returns March 13 and stars Rosamund Pike, Daniel Henney, Josha Stradowski, Zoë Robins, Madeleine Madden, Marcus Rutherford, Dónal Finn, Ceara Coveney, Kate Fleetwood, Natasha O’Keeffe, Ayoola Smart, Kae Alexander, and Sophie Okonedo.
Netflix
We might have to wait for Bridgerton season 4, but Shondaland is keeping us FED. This new hilarious whodunnit takes place in the White House as two detectives keep their eye on a very important State Dinner.
The Residence premieres March 20 and stars Uzo Aduba, Randall Park, Giancarlo Esposito, Edwina Findley, Molly Griggs, Jason Lee, Ken Marino, Al Mitchell, Dan Perrault, Bronson Pinchot, Julieth Restrepo, Mel Rodriguez, Susan Kelechi Watson, Isiah Whitlock Jr., and Mary Wiseman.
Apple TV+
In this new TV show & comedy, Matt Remick's just trying to make great movies...and make greedy businessmen happy. And even if that goal doesn't bring his whole studio down, it looks like it could wreck his life. No big deal.
The Studio premieres March 26 and stars Seth Rogen, Catherine O’Hara, Kathryn Hahn, Ike Barinholtz, Chase Sui Wonders, and Bryan Cranston.
Which March TV show are you excited to see this year? Let us know on Facebook!
