Where Did CLEAN SWEEP Go?

One of the more popular cable reality programs of recent years was CLEAN SWEEP. This show, airing on TLC, had a group of designers going into a messy home, clearing out all the clutter (literally moving it all to the front lawn), having a tag sale, and redoing the house.

It was one of the more inspirational shows. You couldn't watch an episode without wanting to do a little decluttering of your own.

It was also one of the few "anti-consumerism" shows on TV. It made you NOT want to buy things. Well, you did want to buy organizational items, and cleaning products, which were the big advertisers.

When the show went on the air in 2003, it was hosted by Stacey Dutton. Later, Tava Smiley (not to be confused with the PBS host Tavis Smiley), would take over hosting duties.

Doing the actual work were carpenter Eric Stromer, who built up quite a fanbase from this. Angelo Surmelis was the designer.

The Australian Organizer was Peter Walsh. He was ruthless in trying to get people to throw things away. In one episode, he bullied someone into throwing away a painting, that was painted by his mother on her death bed!!

At one point, TLC was airing it every night. On Holidays, especially New Years Day, they would have all day marathons.

Recently, I went to watch it again and couldn't find it anywhere! From playing every day to not at all? What happened here?

The Style Channel has a similar series, CLEAN HOUSE. This is hosted by Niecy Nash (RENO 911 and DANCING WITH THE STARS). It isn't quite at the level of SWEEP, as they don't start from scratch, only get rid of some of the clutter, and it plays like more of a comedy show than a real decluttering show. Plus, while the hosts all do a good job, SWEEP came first. (Incidentally, I noticed in the credits that original SWEEP host, Stacey Dutton serves as the Casting Director of HOUSE).

It is kind of ironic. HOARDERS is a very popular show, yet CLEAN SWEEP, sort of the anti-HOARDERS, is no more.  People would rather watch others in worse shape, than get inspired to clean up their own mess, I guess.