Hoarders: Most Viewed Moments of 2023 | A&E

The first paragraph introduces a 72-year-old woman, a former housewife, and mother to two sons, David and Steven. The family home is in a deplorable state, filled with cats and described as unsanitary by David. Steven expresses concern for his mother's well-being, while Sunny, the woman's brother, questions the ability to form relationships with so many animals. The woman herself defends her lifestyle, indicating a strained relationship with her eldest son, David.

Matt Paxton, an extreme cleaning specialist, is introduced to the task of cleaning the house filled with cats and hoarded items. The process involves removing all the cats, addressing infectious waste, and navigating the unique challenges presented by the hoarding situation. The team discovers a sick kitten and its mother, highlighting the urgency of their work. Tensions arise over the disposal of contaminated items, with disagreements on the necessity of burning everything.

The third paragraph details the conflict between the homeowner and the cleaning crew. The homeowner is resistant to discarding items she views as valuable, leading to confrontations. Dr. Shabbo, a clinical psychologist, steps in to discuss the severity of the situation. The homeowner's son pleads for cooperation, but the homeowner remains attached to her possessions. The paragraph ends with the involvement of authorities, leading to potential shelter placement for the homeowner.

Linda, a landowner with a passion for collecting items, is introduced. She inherited a farm and began hoarding on the property. Her friend Angela and employee Dean support her, but a fire destroys the barn, leading to scrutiny from the health department. Corey Chalmers, an extreme cleaner, tries to intervene, but Linda is resistant. The paragraph highlights Linda's belief in a doomsday scenario and her preparation for it.

Following the fire, Linda is confronted with the need to address her hoarding. She is uncooperative and sees her hoarding as a virtue. The intervention team struggles to make progress, and Linda's resistance leads to a tense standoff. Her son, Dean, and Angela, her friend, express frustration with the situation. The paragraph ends with the intervention team leaving due to Linda's unwillingness to cooperate.

Leah and Ken's home is described as being in a state of disarray due to hoarding. The house is filled with clutter, making it difficult to navigate. Leah admits to buying items she believes she can use, but they often end up in piles. Dr. Robin Zio, a psychologist specializing in hoarding, visits the home and is shocked by the amount of stuff. Leah agrees to a cleanup, and the process begins with the team focusing on items Leah is willing to part with.

The sixth paragraph delves into Leah's emotional attachment to her possessions. She is reluctant to part with items, including a broken freezer filled with expired food. Her husband, Ken, is more pragmatic and gives permission for the team to discard items. The paragraph highlights the difficulty of decision-making in the face of hoarding and Leah's struggle to change her mindset.

Kate's home, filled with meaningful collections, has become unlivable. Her children express concern for her well-being. After the death of her husband, Herb, who managed their financial situation, the family realizes the extent of their mother's hoarding. An intervention led by Brandon, a transition expert, and Dr. David Tolen, a psychologist, aims to help Kate let go of items and restore her home. The process is emotional for Kate, but she shows progress in making decisions about her possessions.

In the twelfth paragraph, Kate faces the challenge of releasing her attachment to items in her home. She struggles with the pressure to declutter and the emotional turmoil it brings. Her daughter, Eva, joins the discussion, and together they address the difficulty of the process. Kate shows a willingness to change and a desire to surprise her family with her progress. The intervention team emphasizes the importance of making decisions and coping with the emotions that arise.

The final paragraph describes the transformation of Kate's home, with the basement being the most challenging area to clean. Kate expresses her gratitude and relief at the progress made, and the intervention team praises the family's support and love. The success of the cleanup is attributed to the strong family relationships, and Kate is encouraged to continue making progress with the help of aftercare services.