Extreme Couponing to be replaced by “Extreme Layawaying”

NEW YORK, NY — The cable television network, The Learning Channel (TLC), has announced the sudden cancellation of its popular program, Extreme Couponing.

“I suppose the viewing audience finally saw right through the concocted drama”,

Just one of 9 fully loaded shopping carts in a typical Extreme Couponer's grocery quest.

confessed Producer Eileen Jacobs. Jacobs claims that the network received tens of thousands of emails and letters with one shared question – “Why are the “Couponers” so dramatic at the checkout?”.

For those unfamiliar with the program, the premise involves people who clip, file and save coupons like virtual professionals, with the goal of realizing substantial savings, usually in the area of 90 to 95%. Sometimes, the truly talented couponer can get cartloads of grocery items for free. These people know, exactly to the penny how much they will pay. So why are they so nervous during the final tally?

“Beats me”, says Jacobs. “Their math is impeccable and they’ve researched every single angle of the savings. I mean, the only way there would be a mistake is if the cash register computer blows a couple numbers – and that never happens”. Apparently, the viewing audience got tired of people freaking out at the checkout for not even a hint of good reason whatsoever.

TLC has decided to replace the program with a new production, Extreme Layawayers, which focuses on the tense, heart-pounding moments when expert shoppers put money down on an item with the intention of paying it off and picking it up later.

“It’s got everything we’ve been looking for”, claims Terrance Fisher, Co-producer. “For instance, in the second episode, a shopper wanted to put $40 down on a coat for her husband. She asks the customer service lady if she would accept two $20 traveler’s checks! Man, what a brouhaha! The Manager got involved and everything!”.

Fisher claims that, in another episode, an extreme layawayer stayed in a tent in front of the store for 6 hours before opening. “It’s not like we has a special layaway sale that day or anything. There was no reason at all to be in a tent. I mean, is that wild or what?”.