 | ON: Content is age-appropriate for kids this age. |
 | PAUSE: Know your child; some content may not be right for some kids. |
 | OFF: Not age-appropriate for kids this age. |
 | NOT FOR KIDS: Not appropriate for kids any age. |
Hoarders
- A&E
- Genre: Reality TV
Common Sense Media says
Docu about compulsion is more sensational than educational.
Parents say
Kids say
QUALITY
What parents need to know
Parents need to know that this series about people who suffer from compulsive hoarding and are undergoing an intervention really isn't intended for young kids. While it offers some limited educational information about the disorder and treatments, the extensive scenes of extreme filth and vermin-infested rooms are both sensational and disturbing. Some of the hoarders' personal stories -- including having their children taken from their home due to the clutter -- may also be difficult or frightening for some viewers.
What's the story?
Each episode of HOARDERS follows two people whose lives have been overcome by their compulsive inability to let go of their belongings. Interviews with the hoarders, their families, and their friends reveal the physical and emotional impact the disorder is having on their lives. Faced with serious problems like losing custody of their children and being evicted, each hoarder attempts to master their symptoms by working with a professional and allowing people to come in and clean out their homes in order to give them a chance to gain some control over their life.
Is it any good?
While not as intense as similar series like Intervention and Obsessed, the series underscores the seriousness of this disorder and the different degrees to which people can suffer from it. It also sheds light on some of the reasons that people don't get help, which range from feeling humiliated about their inability to control their symptoms to being in complete denial about their problem.
While the show highlights how difficult it is to live with compulsive hoarding disorder, it fails to offer any in-depth information about what can potentially cause it -- or the various ways that people can be treated after an initial intervention. Meanwhile, the show's images of extremely filthy, vermin-filled homes can take on a sensationalist quality. But in the end, the series succeeds in informing the public about how widespread this disorder is in America -- and detailing the heartbreak that can result from it.
What families can talk about
Families can talk about the difference between being a “pack rat” and a hoarder. What causes people to compulsively hoard? Where can someone go for help if they have this problem?
What is the difference between documenting events and sensationalizing them? Do you think the media blurs the line between the two? Why or why not?
Why do people with sensitive problems decide to broadcast them on television? Would you ever do that?
- Show:
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- Parents
- Teens & kids
AGE
Anyone who saw the promo with the possum and thought "Oh sweet lord! A possum!" raise your hand!
I wathc this show, and it is very informative! However it is also nasty. Not understanding? Picture this: You lift a newspaper, and there are these maggots under it. You walk to the kitchen to wash your hands, and a POSSUM jumps out of nowhere. You get to the sink, shaken from your encounter, to find that it is so full, that you can hardly squeeze your hand into it. In dismay, you try to work your way to the bathroom to wash your hands. Do not worry! I won't talk about the bathroom situation (even the show wouldn't)! But think, these are the lives these people lead. Think about that as you watch. Thanks for reading!
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AGE
I don't see anything wrong with it, It's an interesting show.
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Kid, 10 years old
August 9, 2011
AGE
HOARDERS IS AWESOME
Hoarders is very entertaining if you like to yell at the hoarders over the TV. I admit, I do. However, some of the stuff is actually pretty gross. (Feces, mold) When the therapists come is where the positive role models come in. And the therapists are really nice, so it'll teach your kids to be calm in EPIC situations. There is also some educational value. It talks about compulsive hoarding and it shows what the hoarders actually think, so it shows the effect of the mental disorder. There is some bad language used from the hoarders, but most of them are bleeped out. There is also some consumerism. I sort of think the consumerism is a good thing because they clean the houses with Lysol and I know that the houses almost ALWAYS have health hazards, so you know that Lysol works good. I know, that was confusing.
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Kid, 11 years old
December 13, 2011
AGE
Educational with a good message
Why the heck would it be pause for 12-15? And why off for anyone below 12? Me (I'm an 11 year old girl) my mom, and my 8- year old little sister all watch this together. It may not appeal to younger kids but it's still fine if they like it. The show's message, overall, is don't hoard, so it's a great show for the whole family!
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AGE
Sensationalism & Extreme Situations But Inspires Housecleaning!
I agree that the angle taken on the hoarders that are profiled in this series is more sensational than informative. My son and I watch this and at least it does inspire him to clean his room every time! We have discussions on the importance of organization and cleanliness, which is very important to me. Of course, the situations in this show are extreme, but at least it gives my son a visual of what can happen if you don't keep up with the housework!
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| TV rating: | TV-PG |
| Network: | A&E |
| Genre: | Reality TV |
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