Isabella Thornton
Here’s everything you need to know about the Investigation Discovery (ID) Original documentary series Ruby & Jodi: A Cult of Sin and Influence (2025)—from its official premiere date and streaming details to the complete episode guide and cast lineup. You’ll also find a simple step-by-step guide on how to watch the series online if you’re in New Zealand, ensuring you don’t miss a single moment of this gripping docuseries. Have questions? Drop them in the comments below—I’ll respond quickly to help you start streaming without any hassle.
How can I watch Ruby & Jodi: A Cult of Sin and Influence in New Zealand on HBO Max
To watch Ruby & Jodi: A Cult of Sin and Influence in New Zealand, you’ll need a reliable VPN. By connecting to a US server, you can instantly unlock Investigation Discovery (ID) content on the HBO Max app and website. This method bypasses geo-restrictions, allowing you to stream the entire docuseries securely and seamlessly from anywhere in the world.
Ruby & Jodi: A Cult of Sin and Influence Plot
Ruby & Jodi: A Cult of Sin and Influence follows the disturbing journey of Ruby Franke, a YouTube influencer with millions of subscribers, and Jodi Hildebrandt, her controversial business partner. What began as a partnership built around parenting advice spiraled into abuse, coercion, and criminal acts. The series unpacks how Jodi’s ConneXions program gained traction within the Mormon community and how Ruby’s fame amplified its reach. Their influence, however, masked dark practices that trapped vulnerable families. By exposing Ruby’s role as both a mother and enabler, the show highlights the danger of unchecked power. Courtroom footage and survivor testimonies lend raw authenticity. The story ultimately unveils how a once-adored figure and a self-proclaimed mentor orchestrated a modern-day cult of control.
When does Ruby & Jodi: A Cult of Sin and Influence premiere?
The series officially premiered on September 1, 2025, on Investigation Discovery (ID).
Ruby & Jodi: A Cult of Sin and Influence Cast
- Ruby Franke – The central figure, a former family vlogger sentenced to prison for severe child abuse. Her fall from grace is the backbone of the series.
- Jodi Hildebrandt – Ruby’s business partner and founder of the ConneXions program, portrayed as a manipulative and destructive force. She, too, faces long prison terms.
How many episodes does Ruby & Jodi: A Cult of Sin and Influence have?
Season 1 consists of 4 gripping episodes.
Ruby & Jodi: A Cult of Sin and Influence Episode Guide:
- Episode 1 – Premiered September 1, 2025. Sets the stage by exploring Ruby’s vlogging empire and her growing alliance with Jodi. Viewers see how parenting advice morphed into psychological control.
- Episode 2 – Released September 1, 2025. Delves into the ConneXions program, unraveling how Jodi manipulated families under the guise of spiritual healing. Survivor accounts reveal chilling details.
- Episode 3 – Released September 2, 2025. Shifts to the unraveling of Ruby and Jodi’s empire as investigations mount. The episode highlights law enforcement breakthroughs and the shocking arrest in 2023.
- Episode 4 – Released September 2, 2025. The finale covers the courtroom trials, sentencing, and the aftermath. It reflects on the broader implications of blind trust in online figures and manipulative leaders.
Is there a way to watch Ruby & Jodi: A Cult of Sin and Influence online for free?
As of September 2025, Ruby & Jodi: A Cult of Sin and Influence is not available to stream for free on any platform in New Zealand.
Ruby & Jodi: A Cult of Sin and Influence Trailer
FAQs
- Who are the central figures in the documentary?
The series focuses on Ruby Franke, a Utah mommy‑influencer from the YouTube channel 8 Passengers, and Jodi Hildebrandt, her spiritual adviser whose ConneXions program exerted cult‑like influence over families. - What made this case stand out?
Ruby’s popularity as a family vlogger and the shocking nature of child abuse—revealed when her 12‑year‑old son escaped captivity—made this one of the most infamous abuse cases in recent memory. - What led to the arrest of Ruby and Jodi?
Their arrest followed the son’s escape—having been starved and bound—and the subsequent police discovery of abuse toward his sibling. Both were charged with multiple felony counts. - Who directed the documentary?
Directed by Olivia Crist Grant, the series weaves personal narratives with legal footage to dissect how the toxic partnership formed and crumbled. - What is ConneXions?
ConneXions was Jodi Hildebrandt’s program marketed as spiritual counseling, but it evolved into a manipulative setup under which Ruby’s children were abused.
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