
"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 man who suffered brain trauma in an accident collects items that he thinks may trigger his memories; a woman hoards items that belonged to three late family members.

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 firefighter's co-workers worry his hoarding is affecting his job performance; a woman's two sons suffer due to her unkempt home.