
"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 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.

The stench of a house's trash heap migrates to the street; a hoarder faces jail time.

A woman with terminal cancer tries to give her family back a home free of mess and clutter; a single mother worries her hoarding will cause her to lose her children.