Overview of the Netflix Documentary
Evil Influencer: The Jodi Hildebrandt Story is a Netflix true-crime documentary released in late 2025. The film explores one of the most disturbing cases to emerge from the world of online family influencers. It examines how social media authority, faith-based counseling, and personal influence combined to create an environment where severe abuse went unchecked for years.
The documentary follows the investigation that began after two severely malnourished children were rescued from a home in Utah. What initially appeared to be an isolated incident quickly unraveled into a wider story involving a popular parenting YouTuber and a self-styled life coach who exerted extreme control over vulnerable families.
Who Is Jodi Hildebrandt?
Jodi Hildebrandt was a licensed counselor and founder of the ConneXions program, a controversial self-improvement and relationship coaching platform. Her teachings blended psychological concepts with strict moral frameworks, often framed through religious values. Over time, her influence expanded through workshops, online videos, and personal counseling sessions.
Hildebrandt gained a reputation as a hardline authority figure who promoted rigid discipline and emotional control. Former clients later described her methods as extreme, manipulative, and emotionally damaging, raising questions about how she maintained professional credibility for so long.
Who Is Ruby Franke and What Was 8 Passengers?
Ruby Franke was the creator of the YouTube channel 8 Passengers, which documented her life as a mother of six children in Utah. Launched in 2015, the channel quickly gained popularity for its day-in-the-life videos, parenting advice, and family routines. At its peak, it attracted millions of subscribers and views.
Over time, viewers began raising concerns about the strict punishments shown on the channel. Clips involving food deprivation, emotional discipline, and isolation sparked widespread criticism. Despite growing backlash, Franke defended her methods as responsible parenting.
The Relationship Between Franke and Hildebrandt
Ruby Franke and Jodi Hildebrandt became connected when Franke sought counseling for family and marriage issues. Their professional relationship evolved into a close personal partnership. Together, they created content promoting rigid parenting philosophies and ran joint projects focused on discipline and moral behavior.
As Hildebrandt’s influence over Franke increased, Franke distanced herself from extended family members and critics. The children were reportedly subjected to escalating punishments justified as character-building measures, all under the guidance of Hildebrandt’s teachings.
What Happened in the Abuse Case?
The case came to public attention in 2023 when one of Ruby Franke’s children escaped from Hildebrandt’s home and sought help from a neighbor. Authorities discovered the child was severely undernourished and had visible injuries consistent with prolonged restraint.
A second child was found inside the home in similar condition. Investigators uncovered evidence of extreme punishments including food deprivation, isolation, physical restraint, and forced labor. Both women were arrested and charged with multiple counts of aggravated child abuse.
Sentencing and Where They Are Now
In 2024, Jodi Hildebrandt and Ruby Franke pleaded guilty to several counts of aggravated child abuse. Each received multiple prison sentences that could result in decades behind bars, subject to parole reviews under Utah law.
Both women are currently incarcerated at the Utah State Correctional Facility. Parole eligibility is expected to begin in late 2026. Meanwhile, custody of the affected children has been placed with family members, and efforts toward recovery and long-term care are ongoing.
The Collapse of 8 Passengers
Following the arrests, the 8 Passengers YouTube channel was permanently removed. What was once a highly profitable family brand became a symbol of the dangers of unregulated influencer authority. Former fans expressed shock and regret over having supported content that masked serious abuse.
The case has sparked renewed discussions around child welfare, online family vlogging, and the ethical responsibilities of influencers who present themselves as parenting experts.
Critical Reception of the Documentary
Critics have described the documentary as disturbing but necessary. Many praised its careful approach and focus on factual timelines rather than sensationalism. Others questioned the broader true-crime industry and the balance between public awareness and exploitation of traumatic events.
Overall, the documentary has been recognized for highlighting how influence, control, and isolation can create environments where abuse is normalized and hidden from public view.
Where to Watch
Evil Influencer: The Jodi Hildebrandt Story is available exclusively on Netflix. It falls under the true-crime and documentary categories and is intended for mature audiences due to its sensitive subject matter.
Conclusion
The story of Jodi Hildebrandt and Ruby Franke serves as a stark warning about unchecked authority, manipulation, and the power dynamics created by online influence. What began as parenting advice and counseling evolved into one of the most disturbing child abuse cases in recent digital history.
As the legal consequences continue to unfold, the case remains a powerful reminder of the need for oversight, accountability, and critical awareness when consuming influencer-driven content.
