How I Met Your Mother
How I Met Your Mother
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How I Met Your Mother

"A love story in reverse."

8.1
Yr 2005
Status Ended
Comedy
Your Verdict

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Series Brief

Overview

A father recounts to his children - through a series of flashbacks - the journey he and his four best friends took leading up to him meeting their mother.

Critical Reception

What critics are saying

Score 75 /100

How I Met Your Mother is widely regarded as an entertaining, cleverly constructed sitcom that successfully balances humor with emotional stakes. Critics and viewers often praise the show's ability to transition seamlessly between comedy and poignant drama, with many noting its capacity to make audiences laugh and cry in equal measure.

However, critical consensus is tempered by significant reservations regarding the show's content and character development. Reviewers frequently point to its heavy reliance on sexual-themed humor and questionable character antics, with some critics citing instances of misogyny that contrast with the show's attempts at maturity. Additionally, feedback regarding its long-term narrative direction remains polarized, particularly concerning the show's final season and the perception that core character arcs lacked meaningful, lasting growth.

“A bright, cleverly constructed half-hour that features a topnotch cast and a sly, too-good-to-give-away twist.”

“An entertaining, refreshingly kooky sitcom focused on love and relationships, with a large dose of sexual-themed humor.”

“The show never lets us forget, even for a moment, that in today’s torrid TV world, tender moments and mature contemplation are given screen time solely to set up another bawdy wisecrack.”

“The character growth is minimal: Ted ends where he started, and Barney's growth is retconned.”

Transmission Paths

Where to Watch

Hulu
US
USA Network
US
YouTube TV
US
Show 1 more
Disney Plus
UK • CA
Why fans love it

Premised on a distinct framing device, this 2005 comedy turns a father's stories to his children into an extended journey through young adulthood. The series follows a tight group of friends and roommates navigating their shared quest for self-discovery and romantic connection. Instead of simple episodic resets, the central search for love gives the narrative a long-term destination that shapes every flashback.

That overarching mystery holds up because the dynamic among the core characters carries the emotional weight between major milestones. Anchored by standout ensemble performances, including a prominent role for Neil Patrick Harris, the show balances sharp humor with the anxieties of growing up. Viewers stay invested in the genuine warmth of the friend group and a structural approach to the classic sitcom format that keeps the ultimate answer just out of reach.

Featured Players

Cast

Credited 75
Regulars 5
Longest run 208 eps
Josh Radnor
Josh Radnor
as Ted Mosby
208 episodes
Neil Patrick Harris
Neil Patrick Harris
as Barney Stinson
208 episodes
Jason Segel
Jason Segel
as Marshall Eriksen
208 episodes
Alyson Hannigan
Alyson Hannigan
as Lily Aldrin
208 episodes
Cobie Smulders
Cobie Smulders
as Robin Scherbatsky
208 episodes
Cristin Milioti
Cristin Milioti
as Tracy McConnell
25 episodes
Abby Elliott
Abby Elliott
as Jeanette Peterson
5 episodes
Becki Newton
Becki Newton
as Quinn Garvey
10 episodes
Show 67 more
Jennifer Morrison as Zoey Pierson 13 episodes Suzie Plakson as Judy Eriksen 15 episodes Kyle MacLachlan as George Van Smoot 7 episodes Marshall Manesh as Ranjit Singh 22 episodes Frances Conroy as Loretta Stinson 9 episodes Michael Gross as Alfred Mosby 3 episodes Robert Michael Morris as Lou 3 episodes Darcy Rose Byrnes as Lucy Grafanello 5 episodes Monique Edwards as Producer 4 episodes Virginia Williams as Claudia 5 episodes Jason Jones as Tony Grafanello 3 episodes Bryan Callen as Bilson 6 episodes Benjamin Koldyke as Don Frank 6 episodes Kal Penn as Kevin Venkataraghavan 10 episodes Chris Romano as Punchy Punciarello 4 episodes Martin Short as Garrison Cootes 3 episodes Ellen D. Williams as Patrice 12 episodes Chris Elliott as Mickey Aldrin 11 episodes K Callan as Grandma Lois 3 episodes David Burtka as Scooter 7 episodes Harry Groener as Clint 3 episodes Alexis Denisof as Sandy Rivers 10 episodes Laura Prepon as Karen 3 episodes Cristine Rose as Virginia Mosby 7 episodes Matt Boren as Stuart 7 episodes Ashley Williams as Victoria 15 episodes Vicki Lewis as Dr. Sonya 3 episodes Bob Odenkirk as Arthur Hobbs 9 episodes Bill Fagerbakke as Marvin Eriksen 12 episodes Robert Michael Ryan as Marvin Eriksen 6 episodes Michael Trucco as Nick Podarutti 7 episodes Joe Manganiello as Brad Morris 7 episodes Tracey Ullman as Genevieve Scherbatsky 3 episodes Taran Killam as Gary Blauman 6 episodes Nazanin Boniadi as Nora 10 episodes Katie Walder as Shannon 3 episodes Mark Derwin as Greg Fisher 3 episodes April Bowlby as Meg 4 episodes Rachel Bilson as Cindy 4 episodes Sarah Chalke as Stella Zinman 10 episodes Tim Gunn as Tim Gunn 4 episodes Laura Bell Bundy as Becky 5 episodes Roger Bart as Curtis 5 episodes Charlene Amoia as Wendy 17 episodes Tanner Maguire as Young Barney 3 episodes Renée Taylor as Mrs. Matsen 3 episodes Ned Rolsma as Marcus Eriksen 9 episodes Koby Rouviere as Marshall Eriksen 4 episodes Artemis Pebdani as Anna 3 episodes Marieve Herington as Betty 4 episodes Riley Thomas Stewart as Young Barney 3 episodes Milynn Sarley as Ferrari 3 episodes Ron Nicolosi as Mike 10 episodes Robert Belushi as Linus 11 episodes Edward Rudolph Flores as Food Guy 4 episodes Lou Ferrigno Jr. as Louis 3 episodes Jim Nantz as Jim Nantz 3 episodes Ray Wise as Robin Scherbatsky Sr. 6 episodes Alan Thicke as Alan Thicke 5 episodes Ben Vereen as Sam Gibbs 4 episodes John Lithgow as Jerry Whittaker 4 episodes Wayne Brady as James Stinson 13 episodes Sherri Shepherd as Daphne 8 episodes William Zabka as William Zabka 7 episodes Bruce Gray as Yuthers 4 episodes Lyndsy Fonseca as Daughter 65 episodes David Henrie as Son 65 episodes
Signal Match

Similarity

Where How I Met Your Mother overlaps with other shows, and exactly what they have in common.

Keyword Cloud

Keywords

roommates self-discovery group of friends sitcom searching for love
Technical Sheet

Details

First Aired
September 19, 2005
Status
Ended
Origin
US
TMDB Votes
5,867