
"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's clutter and over 50 pet birds have forced her husband out of the house; a pharmaceutical sales rep's job is threatened by her disorganization and clutter.
Checking up on past hoarders from the show's first season.
A widow hoarder needs help from her daughters; an unhealthy environment for a couple and their kids.
A man sleeps in his car rather than his hoard-filled home; a hoard contains stolen items.