
"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.

A woman racks up $50,000 in credit-card debt as she fills her home with mounds of clothing; a woman's collection of cardboard boxes forces her out of her own house.

A widow hoarder needs help from her daughters; an unhealthy environment for a couple and their kids.

A 7-year-old is affected by mother's hoarding; a marriage of 48 years is in danger from hoarding.

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.