
"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.
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.
A woman's house is stuffed with dolls; another woman must crawl over garbage to get to her chair.
A man's house is stuffed with games and puzzles; a Beverly Hills home holds a massive hoard.