Netflix’s True Crime Documentary Surges Past 25 Million Hours Viewed

Netflix’s latest true crime documentary, Evil Influencer: The Jodi Hildebrandt Story, has quickly captivated audiences, amassing over 25 million hours of viewing time since its release on December 30, 2023. This film chronicles the unsettling story of Jodi Hildebrandt and Ruby Franke, shedding light on the darker aspects of the parenting influencer community.

The documentary has achieved remarkable success, surpassing other popular holiday releases on the platform. It currently holds the top position on Netflix in the United States and 18 other countries, while also ranking among the top ten in a total of 55 countries. This popularity is noteworthy, given that the film’s narrative is rooted in the American context of Utah’s Mormon community, which has not traditionally drawn the same sensational appeal as other true crime stories.

Unraveling a Disturbing Narrative

In August 2023, Hildebrandt, a therapist and YouTube personality, was arrested alongside Franke, leading to widespread revelations about their controversial practices within the parenting influencer sphere. Together, they co-founded the YouTube channel “ConneXions” in 2022, which aimed to promote their views on parenting and discipline. However, their approaches sparked significant controversy, raising questions about ethics and safety in influencer culture.

Hildebrandt’s background is particularly troubling. After being placed on probation in 2012 for disclosing a client’s personal information to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, she continued to practice therapy using unorthodox methods. Her relationship with Franke deepened over time, ultimately leading to a severe incident when Franke’s twelve-year-old son escaped their treatment center, revealing alarming signs of abuse.

The unfolding events not only exposed the harsh realities within the influencer community but also triggered discussions about the responsibilities of those who curate family-oriented content online.

Multiple Perspectives on a Complex Case

Interestingly, Evil Influencer is not the first production to explore this case. The story has previously been depicted in other media, including a Lifetime movie titled Mormon Mom Gone Wrong: The Ruby Franke Story, and a Hulu docuseries named Devil in the Family: The Fall of Ruby Franke. Each of these adaptations has faced scrutiny, with criticisms regarding consent and representation from Franke’s family.

While other productions have focused on different aspects of the story, Evil Influencer stands out for its portrayal of the complexities inherent in influencer culture. It taps into a growing awareness of the potential dangers tied to social media, particularly for families and children. As the landscape of online influence continues to evolve, this documentary resonates with viewers amid ongoing debates about the ethical implications of social media fame.

The film’s success highlights Netflix’s strategic positioning within the true crime genre, as it continues to delve into stories that resonate with contemporary audiences. As streaming platforms increasingly compete for viewer attention, productions like Evil Influencer underscore the significance of storytelling that aligns with current societal issues.

For those intrigued by the chilling realities behind influencer culture, Evil Influencer: The Jodi Hildebrandt Story is available for streaming on Netflix, offering an in-depth look at a narrative that many may not have been aware of until now.