
"Hoarders" is an often painful look inside a disease that can bury its sufferer -- literally at times -- in its symptoms. Each hourlong episode profiles two people on the verge of a personal crisis, all caused by the fact that they are unable to part with even the tiniest possessions, and the cumulative effect becomes a mountain of junk and garbage overtaking their home or apartment. If they don't respond to professional help, the consequences sometimes involve eviction, kids being taken away, or even jail time.

Family members worry about the well-being of a painter whose home is filled with thousands of nude portraits; an out-of-control hoarder moves his food and television into the bathroom.

A woman collects human waste in bottles; a woman awaiting the Rapture stockpiles material items for the unlucky souls who will be left behind.

A hoarder loses his four young grandchildren to Child Protective Services and can't get them back until he cleans up his act; a thrice-divorced woman fills up three homes with clutter.

An armed thief breaks into the home of a woman who collects cars and electronics, threatening her mother and stealing some of her stash; the son of a Nazi SS member lives with his dog in a clutter-stuffed home.