Ep 1. Phyllis / Janet

Phyllis / Janet is the first episode of Hoarders season 4, a reality TV show that follows individuals struggling with hoarding disorder. In this episode, viewers meet Phyllis and Janet, two hoarders with different backgrounds and levels of severity.

Phyllis is a 69-year-old woman living in rural Montana. She's a retired widow with two grown sons who have been estranged from her for years due to her hoarding. Phyllis' house is filled to the brim with items such as newspapers, magazines, clothes, and broken appliances. She has several semi-feral cats living in her home, and their feces are scattered throughout the clutter. Phyllis' hoarding has made it difficult for her to navigate her home, and she often sleeps on a chair because her bed is covered in junk.

Janet is a 50-year-old woman living in the suburbs of Houston, Texas. She's a mother of three who works as a teacher. Janet's hoarding has become so severe that she has lost custody of her children. Her home is filled with piles of clothes, books, and toys, as well as rotting food and trash. Janet's hoarding has also led to a bug infestation in her home, making it difficult for her to even sleep at night.

Throughout the episode, viewers see the struggles Phyllis and Janet face as they attempt to clean up their homes and overcome their hoarding disorder. The show's team of experts, including psychologists, professional cleaners, and organizers, work with Phyllis and Janet to create a plan for cleaning and decluttering their homes. However, both women struggle with letting go of their possessions, a common challenge for hoarders.

Phyllis becomes emotional when confronted with the amount of clutter in her home. She's forced to confront the reasons behind her hoarding, including the loss of her husband and her strained relationship with her sons. The team of experts encourages her to focus on the present and let go of items that are no longer needed. With their help, she's able to make progress in cleaning her home and improving her quality of life.

Janet's clean-up proves to be more difficult. She's resistant to let go of anything in her home, including rotting food and infested furniture. Her cleaning is also complicated by her neighbors, who complain about the smells and bugs emanating from her property. The team of experts work patiently with Janet to help her see the importance of letting go of items and creating a safe and livable home. However, her progress is hindered by her inability to address the underlying emotional issues driving her hoarding.

Overall, Phyllis / Janet is a revealing look at the devastating effects of hoarding disorder. The episode showcases the real struggles faced by hoarders, including the emotional strain and physical labor required to clean up their homes. While some may find the show overwhelming or disturbing, many viewers are fascinated by the psychology behind hoarding disorder and how individuals overcome it.