Parents' Guide to

Hoarding: Buried Alive

By Anne Louise Bannon, Common Sense Media Reviewer

age 15+

Another docu about obsessive behavior that's not for kids.

TV TLC Reality TV 2010
Hoarding: Buried Alive Poster Image

A Lot or a Little?

What you will—and won't—find in this TV show.

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What's the Story?

Each episode looks at two persons suffering from the form of obsessive compulsive disorder that is hoarding.The show explores the hoarders' histories and interviews their families while also showing examples of their hoarding -- floor to ceiling clutter throughout an entire house, in one case. A therapist and professional organizer are brought in to help the sufferers and eventually, viewers see some progress being made, though what happens after the show ends is anybody's guess.

Is It Any Good?

Our review:
Parents say Not yet rated
Kids say (4 ):

If this were the only show on looking at this condition, it might be okay. The problem is, there are too many others out there like it. The show feels like we've been here, done that and doesn't offer any new insight into the problem.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about whether showing people dealing with this problem is helpful. Parents can ask their children if shows like these encourage people with this illness to seek help or is it more voyeuristic?

  • How real is this show? Parents can ask if their kids think they are getting the whole story and what might be missing?

  • Parents can ask their children why they think people with this illness want to show it on television? Does that exploit them?

TV Details

  • Premiere date: March 14, 2010
  • Network: TLC
  • Genre: Reality TV
  • TV rating: TV-PG
  • Last updated: June 20, 2023

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