Extreme Couponing chronicles the shopping and saving adventures of individuals that are able to get their groceries for free, or nearly free. These individuals are able to accomplish this through the use of coupons. Many of the individuals featured on Extreme Couponing have amassed large hoards of food thanks to their couponing skills, and they are always on the hunt for more.

Extreme Couponing follows two individuals each week as they go through the process of obtaining coupons, clipping coupons, planning out their shopping trip in great detail, and ultimately, follows them to the grocery store to see if they are able to meet their goal. The size of the grocery lists vary, but the goal remains the same - get as much groceries as possible, while spending next to nothing to do it.

The show offers insight into the mind of these individuals, and does give some background information as to why they decided to pursue this hobby. It also details the amount of time that it takes out of each person’s life, as many spend a great deal of their time pursuing these bargains. The effect that these actions have on their family is on display as well.

Extreme Couponing combines the elements of educational, as well as emotional. The educational being the process of teaching viewers how to use coupons to achieve similar goals themselves. The emotional being a glimpse into the mind and feelings of extreme couponers.