Parents' Guide to

Extreme Cheapskates

By Melissa Camacho, Common Sense Media Reviewer

age 12+

Pokes fun at folks who take cost-cutting to a new level.

TV TLC Reality TV 2012
Extreme Cheapskates Poster Image

A Lot or a Little?

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

Community Reviews

See all
age 11+

Based on 4 parent reviews

James Applesead
James Applesead Adult
March 31, 2022
age 11+

Okay...

It is a little gross at a few points so if your child is pretty sensitive to garbage and easily throws up at gross things, maybe give Extreme Cheapskates a pass. I mean if dumpster diving and eating dumpster dived food isn't disgusting, I don't know what is. It is an okay show but you can definitely tell it is extremely staged.
dvdgirl
dvdgirl Adult
September 11, 2019
age 13+

Stupid people

That don’t know how to spend money come on! Good show
See all 4 parent reviews

What's the Story?

EXTREME CHEAPSKATES is a reality series that features people from around the country who have found non-traditional or extreme ways to not spend money. From asking strangers for their half-eaten food when eating in restaurants to picking up rice thrown at weddings to cook for dinner and going around town shaking pay phones for coins, the people featured on the series are proud of their cost-saving efforts, even if it means embarrassing themselves and others in the process. Some folks have even perfected the art of bartering and have found ways to exchange goods and services for things like wedding venues and haircuts. Their behavior may seem a little odd or over-the-top, but for these folks, it's all about pinching pennies any way they can.

Is It Any Good?

Our review:
Parents say (4):
Kids say (3):

Most of these folks characterize their efforts as "saving money," but what they are really doing is finding ways not to pay for things with their own cash in order to afford hobbies or save for retirement. Others are fearful of going into debt. Their reasons are understandable, but the fact that they often rely on other people's donations, garbage, and sometimes resort to pushing the envelope of what is legal to maintain their personal level of frugality is a little problematic.

Viewers may find a few creative ideas here, especially when it comes to finding different ways to barter a few hours of work or unique services in exchange for things that they want. But many will also be disturbed by the folks who would rather give loved ones dead flowers from a dumpster and feed guests expired food rather than spend any extra money on them. These types of behaviors seem more selfish and/or compulsive than penny-wise, and send confusing messages about what saving and smart money management is all about.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about the difference between being frugal and being "cheap." Why is being cheap often characterized as a bad thing? What are some healthy and/or creative ways to cut costs? Does your family have any money-saving habits that seem to work?

  • What is the purpose behind producing reality shows featuring people engaged in extreme and/or excessive behaviors? To teach audiences something? To get viewers to react to different people and their habits? Or is it just voyeuristic entertainment?

TV Details

  • Premiere date: October 16, 2012
  • Network: TLC
  • Genre: Reality TV
  • TV rating: TV-PG
  • Last updated: February 18, 2023

Did we miss something on diversity?

Research shows a connection between kids' healthy self-esteem and positive portrayals in media. That's why we've added a new "Diverse Representations" section to our reviews that will be rolling out on an ongoing basis. You can help us help kids by suggesting a diversity update.

See all recommended tv lists

Common Sense Media's unbiased ratings are created by expert reviewers and aren't influenced by the product's creators or by any of our funders, affiliates, or partners.

See how we rate