When Does How I Met Your Mother Get Good?
BUYER BEWARE: It’s worth calling out, above all else, the series finale of this show is considered one of the most hated endings to a beloved TV show of all time.
With that out of the way, HIMYM had a solid run, especially past the first season, with a wonderful cast of characters that have fantastic chemistry throughout most of the show’s run. Fans of the series will tell you the show will have splashes of quality in the first season, but the second season is when this show really gets going.
What Fans Say
Fans of How I Met Your Mother appreciate its unique storytelling structure, which blends humor, romance, and mystery through Ted Mosby’s narration. The series is praised for its well-developed characters, particularly Barney Stinson, whose elaborate playbook of dating schemes became iconic. Fans also love the emotional depth, as the show balances comedic moments with heartfelt storylines, including themes of love, loss, and friendship. The recurring jokes, such as Robin Sparkles, the Slap Bet, and the Dopplegangers, add to the show’s charm, making it highly rewatchable. Many appreciate the chemistry among the main cast—Ted, Marshall, Lily, Robin, and Barney—who create a believable and engaging friend group dynamic.
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What Haters Say
Critics of the show argue that its humor can be inconsistent, with some jokes feeling outdated or overplayed. Some viewers feel that Ted’s search for “the one” becomes exhausting, as he repeatedly sabotages himself. Others criticize the portrayal of Barney, arguing that his character’s womanizing behavior hasn’t aged well. Additionally, the series finale remains one of the most controversial in sitcom history, with many fans feeling betrayed by the ending’s subversion of expectations. The non-linear storytelling, while innovative, can sometimes feel frustrating, with unnecessary misdirections and filler episodes that slow down the main plot.
Does the Show Fall Off in Quality at Any Point?
Many fans and critics agree that How I Met Your Mother starts off strong but experiences a noticeable decline in later seasons. While the first five seasons are widely praised, some argue that Seasons 6-9 become more uneven, with certain storylines feeling forced or repetitive. The final season, in particular, is polarizing, as it dedicates an entire season to a single weekend but rushes through the resolution of key relationships in the finale. The decision to have Ted end up with Robin, despite the show seemingly moving beyond that pairing, left many viewers dissatisfied.
Aggregated Critic Commentary
Critics have generally praised How I Met Your Mother for its innovative format, engaging characters, and emotional storytelling. The earlier seasons were lauded for their balance of humor and heart, while later seasons faced criticism for dragging out the central mystery and relying on filler content. The finale remains a major point of contention, with some critics appreciating its boldness while others found it frustratingly abrupt.
Ratings Table
| Season | Rotten Tomatoes Score | IMDb Rating |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 63% | 8.4 |
| 2 | 100% | 8.7 |
| 3 | 78% | 8.5 |
| 4 | 85% | 8.7 |
| 5 | 100% | 8.5 |
| 6 | 83% | 8.4 |
| 7 | 76% | 8.3 |
| 8 | 54% | 7.9 |
| 9 | 27% | 5.6 |
Overview of the Show
How I Met Your Mother is a sitcom that follows Ted Mosby as he recounts to his children the story of how he met their mother. The narrative is framed as a long-winded yet engaging flashback, spanning nine seasons. Along the way, Ted navigates romantic misadventures with the help of his friends: the couple Marshall and Lily, the ambitious Robin, and the legendary playboy Barney. The series stands out due to its inventive storytelling, incorporating non-linear plots, recurring inside jokes, and unexpected twists. While the show maintains a comedic core, it also explores serious themes, making it a sitcom with emotional depth. Despite the controversy surrounding its ending, How I Met Your Mother remains a beloved series, often compared to Friends for its mix of humor and heartfelt moments.
Season-by-Season Highlights
Season 1 (2005-2006)
Introduces Ted, Marshall, Lily, Barney, and Robin. Ted falls for Robin but realizes she isn’t “the one.” The series establishes its unique storytelling, blending humor with emotional moments.
Season 2 (2006-2007)
Ted and Robin begin dating, while Marshall and Lily get married. Barney solidifies his legendary status with his catchphrases and schemes.
Season 3 (2007-2008)
Ted and Robin break up, leading to new romantic developments. Barney’s character deepens with his feelings for Robin.
Season 4 (2008-2009)
Ted starts his own architecture firm and meets Stella, a key romantic interest. Barney realizes his love for Robin but struggles with commitment.
Season 5 (2009-2010)
Barney and Robin briefly date, and the Slap Bet continues. Ted’s professional life takes a hit, leading him toward teaching.
Season 6 (2010-2011)
Introduces Zoey as a love interest, but the storyline feels drawn out. Marshall and Lily experience struggles with starting a family.
Season 7 (2011-2012)
Barney gets engaged to Quinn, while Robin questions her feelings for him. Marshall and Lily welcome their first child.
Season 8 (2012-2013)
Barney and Robin’s engagement dominates the season, while Ted’s love life stagnates. The mother is finally revealed in the finale.
Season 9 (2013-2014)
The entire season takes place over a wedding weekend, but the rushed finale disappoints many fans by undoing years of character development.
Similar Shows
- Friends – Another sitcom centered on a close-knit friend group with romantic entanglements.
- The Big Bang Theory – A mix of humor, romance, and nerd culture, with an iconic cast.
- Brooklyn Nine-Nine – A witty ensemble comedy with lovable characters.
- New Girl – A quirky comedy about friendships and romance.
- Scrubs – A blend of comedy and emotional depth, much like HIMYM.
If You Liked These, You’ll Like This Show
- The Office (US) – A workplace comedy with strong character dynamics and humor.
- Parks and Recreation – A heartwarming, character-driven comedy.
- Community – A smart and meta sitcom with inventive storytelling.
- That ’70s Show – A nostalgic comedy about friendships and young adulthood.