Who Watches This Stuff?: “Hoarders”

By Tom Comi

Would you watch a show that is so difficult at times to stomach that you are unable to eat before, during or after it airs?

As part of Channel Guide Magazine‘s segment “Who Watches This Stuff?,” we turned to staff member Laura Duckett to see why she admittedly has trouble watching the A&E reality program Hoarders yet resists the urge to turn away. With a new episode airing tonight (9pm ET), here are her thoughts:

Channel Guide Magazine: What draws you to “Hoarders”?
Laura: It’s compelling TV, and yet disgusting at the same time. One reason, in all honesty, is that it makes me feel better about my own housekeeping skills. Another reason is that I have always been fascinated with psychology. There are different types of hoarders, and the show really helped me understand that. Some hoarders are compulsive shoppers or collectors, and some are just slobs. Others just can’t throw anything away, because of some sentimental reason or emotional attachment.

Do you ever feel guilty watching it?
Yes, especially when there are pets or small children in the house. There have been a few episodes where the subjects actually hoard pets, instead of just stuff. I can’t watch those. It’s so unfair. It’s one thing to live that way by your own free will, but to bring a small child or an animal into it is another thing. They don’t have a choice.

Do you see the show as exploiting those inflicted with the illness or shedding light on a problem very few viewers knew about?
I think it’s a bit of both. Sometimes the editors have some fun at the subjects’ expense. For example, last season someone had a possum living in their yard, and as the cleanup crew ran around trying to catch it, the editors added a soundtrack the just made the whole scene ridiculous. The possum has become the unofficial mascot of the show, he even has his own Facebook fan page. However, I believe the therapists and organizers really have the best intentions. In addition to working with the hoarders themselves, the therapists explain the mindset of the hoarder to the viewers. Also, after the cleanup, the show does provide aftercare funds, which can be used for continued therapy and work with a professional organizer.

Is part of the appeal that they try to get the people on the show help for their problem?
Absolutely, as a viewer I want to see them get help. Unfortunately, after a lot of episodes, I feel like the hoarder is going to go back to their old ways immediately as soon as the cameras are gone. It can be very sad.

Explain why you would or wouldn’t recommend it to others.
I would only recommend to those who have a strong stomach. I never eat immediately before or after the show, and definitely not during it. If you know of anyone that is a hoarder, this show can really help you understand why they are like that, and hopefully how to get them help.

[Note: If you would like to be interviewed for an upcoming segment of “Who Watches This Stuff?”, contact us at editor-tv@tribune.com.]

1 Comment

  1. I have been viewing “Hoarders” for a few years now. Tonight’s episode (Betsy vs. Michelle) (broadcast in Illinois 03 SEP 2011) forced me to comment. I am not a hoarder, myself, but I felt so sorry for that poor old woman (crone) (Betsy). Her future daughter-in-law, Michelle was ghastly. Where were her manners? And, why did his mother have to store her things in storage units, anyway? Why didn’t he build her a barn on some property somewhere with an apartment for her to live in? I hate it how these people force the hoarders to hurry up and just throw their things away. I prefer the other hoarding program that gives them time to go through their belongings, and also some psychological assistance. Yes, I’m sure the old woman has upset Michelle, but Michelle needs to develop some better manners and respect for her elders no matter how messed up they are. And the old woman’s son needs to step up to the plate and provide a place for her junk. Seriously, if it is so important to her (Betsy) why not? He will be able to throw all the stuff out when the poor old woman dies, and he will then have a nice barn. I see KARMA written all over this episode. Respecting your elders isn’t just for when they are doing everything you want them to do. It is simply, “respect your elders”. People of the world need better manners, period and more respect for their fellow humans.

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