Extreme Cheapskates: What Fans Don't Know

Fans of TLC's Extreme Cheapskates know the show features some seriously eccentric people who take frugality to a whole new level. These people aren't just stingy, they would do literally anything to save a penny. But despite its popularity, here's what even the most loyal viewers don't know about the show. After experiencing success in early 2011 with its reality show Extreme Couponing, TLC decided to shine the spotlight on even thriftier people later that same year, testing the waters with a special called Extreme Cheapskates. According to the network, the show focused on four people who took their passion for penny-pinching to bizarre lengths, including a Vermont local named Roy who… "Unabashedly takes home other people's leftovers at his local restaurant, and goes dumpster diving to find an anniversary gift for his wife." Also profiled on the special, was a Maryland couple who took a quote "fiscal fast" five times a year, refusing to spend any money during a one-week period, and a Michigan man whose talent for low-ball bartering led him to save $20,000 on his hugely discounted wedding. The special proved to be a smash hit with viewers, leading TLC to order an eight-episode first season. The show would ultimately run for three seasons thanks to such participants as a mother who served her family actual roadkill, a guy who washed his clothing in the dishwasher, and a flight attendant who cut costs on her wedding by holding the event in an airport unclaimed baggage center. Keep watching to learn What Fans Don't Know About Extreme Cheapskates! #ExtremeCheapskates #TLC A one-off sensation | 0:00 Cheapskate casting call | 1:43 Cheap compensation | 2:39 The gross-out factor | 3:22 Professional cheapskate | 4:33 A grueling shoot | 5:31 Not everything is real | 6:28 Saving a buck | 7:18 Extreme fake out? | 8:17 Cheapskates in love | 9:24 Putting a price on it | 10:24 Is it really worth it? | 11:26