How I Met Your Mother (2005 — 2014)

How I Met Your Mother (2005–2014), the popular American sitcom created by Craig Thomas and Carter Bays for CBS, aired from 2005 to 2014. Set in Manhattan, the show follows Ted Mosby and his group of friends. The story is told through a flashback as Ted recounts his journey to meeting their mother to his children, Luke and Penny, in 2030. The show was a joint production between Bays & Thomas Productions and 20th Century Fox Television, and syndicated by 20th Television (now Disney-ABC Domestic Television).

Season 1 (2005–2006). In September 2005, the series kicks off with Ted as a 27-year-old architect who shares an apartment with his college buddies: Marshall Eriksen, a law student, and Lily Aldrin, an aspiring artist and kindergarten teacher. After almost nine years of dating, Marshall finally proposes to Lily, prompting Ted to contemplate marriage and finding his ideal partner. This sparks disgust in his self-appointed best friend Barney Stinson, whom he met at a bar four years earlier in a bathroom. Known for his womanizing ways, Barney often uses elaborate schemes and fake personas to woo women before losing interest in them. As Ted begins his search for true love, he meets Robin Scherbatsky, an ambitious journalist from Canada who quickly captures his heart. Despite their strong connection, Robin is not ready for a serious relationship and the two decide to remain friends. Future Ted reveals that Robin is not the mother after referring to her as ‘Aunt Robin’.

Season 2 (2006–2007). Ted and Robin have taken their relationship to the next level, while Marshall deals with the aftermath of his breakup with Lily. His friends notice his struggles and offer a helping hand. Barney, known for his smooth demeanor and clever one-liners, takes it upon himself to teach Marshall how to charm women again. With Ted now in a committed relationship with Robin, Marshall becomes Barney’s new partner-in-crime. Despite some failed attempts, Marshall manages to get a phone number from a barista. Meanwhile, Lily returns to New York after realizing her dreams of being an artist were not meant to be. However, she and Marshall remain apart as he begins dating another woman referred to by the group as ‘crazy eyes’. It doesn’t go well and eventually leads to Lily and Marshall reuniting and resuming their engagement. In the midst of all this, when Robin refuses to explain why she won’t go to the mall, Marshall suspects she is married while Barney suspects she has a past in adult films.

Season 3 (2007–2008). Barney greets the season with his signature catchphrase, ‘-dary!’ Upon her return from a trip to Argentina, Robin introduces her new boyfriend, Gael, leaving Ted to navigate their changed dynamic as friends. Meanwhile, Marshall and Lily embark on the search for their own place and quickly fall in love with an apartment that proves to be financially out of reach. Despite tempting job offers with a high salary, Marshall stays committed to his dream of becoming an environmental lawyer and fighting pollution. A revelation about Lily’s shopping habits leads to tension between the couple, but they ultimately secure their dream apartment in the infamous ‘Dowisetrepla’ neighborhood – only to discover its less-than-ideal location (Downwind of the Sewage Treatment Plant) and subpar construction (the tilted floor). On Thanksgiving, Marshall executes his third legendary slap, dubbed ‘Slapsgiving’.

Season 4 (2008–2009). Stella accepts Ted’s proposal, Robin lands a job in Japan but soon returns to New York for Ted’s wedding after realizing how much she misses her friends. However, Stella changes her mind and leaves Ted at the altar to reunite with Tony, the father of her daughter. Meanwhile, Barney grapples with his feelings for Robin as he is transferred to Goliath National Bank where Marshall also works. Marshall and Lily move into a new apartment and contemplate starting a family. As Robin faces deportation for not finding a job in her field, Barney sees an opportunity to spend time with her. He helps her secure a job as a 4 AM news anchor through his submission of her video resume and they become roommates with Ted. In an effort to avoid fighting over their living habits, Ted and Robin agree to sleep together constantly, much to Barney’s dismay as he shares his love for Robin with Ted.

Season 5 (2009–2010). As a new professor of architecture, Ted finds himself in the wrong lecture hall on his first day. Despite the unexpected setting, he begins his lesson with confidence. Meanwhile, Barney and Robin have been involved in a summer fling that Lily intervenes in by locking them in a room. However, things take a turn and they decide to call it quits after facing some challenges. Robin chooses to view it as two friends reconnecting rather than a break-up. In response, Barney returns to his previous womanizing ways using his playbook. Throughout the season, both Barney and Robin express regret about their split. Ted’s love life takes a turn when he dates graduate student Cindy, who happens to be living with his future wife as her roommate. Robin also experiences changes in her relationship status as she meets Don Frank, her new co-anchor for her 4 AM TV show. Initially disliking him, they eventually start dating and move in together until Don is offered a job in Chicago which leads to their break-up – an opportunity that Robin had previously turned down to stay in New York with Don.

Season 6 (2010–2011). In the season opener, Ted reunites with Cindy and meets her girlfriend, whom she later marries. After being convinced by Barney, Ted is once again hired by GNB to design their new headquarters, a project that was previously cancelled in Season 4. However, he faces opposition when he crosses paths with Zoey Pierson, a protester who is against GNB’s choice to demolish the run-down hotel, the Arcadian, for their new building. As the season progresses, Ted’s interactions with Zoey evolve into a romantic relationship after she divorces her wealthy husband, the Captain. But when their relationship becomes tumultuous and difficult, they break up and Ted ultimately supports the demolition of the Arcadian. Lily and Marshall try to conceive a baby after making a promise at the end of last season. They have a momentary scare around Christmas before seeking fertility testing with Dr. Stangel – who happens to look exactly like Barney – fulfilling their cosmic wish to have a child.

Season 7 (2011–2012). The seventh season begins with a glimpse into the future, as Ted assists Barney in getting ready for his mystery bride’s wedding. In the present, Marshall secures a job in environmental law and Lily’s pregnancy progresses. Barney proves his commitment to Nora, while Robin grapples with lingering feelings for him. Due to a court case, Robin is required to undergo therapy and meets Kevin, whom she begins dating. Meanwhile, after being unemployed post-GNB, Marshall lands his dream job at a prestigious environmental law firm. As a result of losing a bet, Barney must reluctantly wear a tie adorned with ducks (affectionately known as the ‘Ducky Tie’). However, Marshall offers him three additional slaps from their infamous Slap Bet if he wears it when meeting Nora’s parents, which convinces Barney to comply. Without hesitation, Marshall uses two slaps immediately, leaving only two remaining.

Season 8 (2012–2013). Ted and Robin reunite on the day of her wedding to Barney, leading him to reminisce about running away from Victoria’s wedding. The following summer is filled with group outings for Ted, Barney, and Robin as they all enjoy their respective romances. However, things go awry as each of them experiences a breakup. Ted’s split from Victoria is caused by his friendship with Robin, while Quinn and Barney part ways due to trust issues. Nick’s immaturity leads to his breakup with Robin, who then shares a kiss with Barney but decides not to pursue a relationship, despite his desires. In a surprising turn of events, Barney begins dating Patrice, much to Robin’s dislike. It is later revealed that this was all part of a plan for Barney to make Robin realize her true feelings for him. Finally, in an emotional moment, Barney proposes to Robin and she accepts. Meanwhile, Marshall and Lily are adjusting to life as new parents and struggle to find time for their friends amidst the demands of their baby Marvin.

Season 9 (2013–2014). Apart from the last episode, season nine entirely centers around the 56 hours leading up to Barney and Robin’s wedding. Marshall, who is stuck in Minnesota, frantically tries to reach the wedding on time. Meanwhile, in Farhampton, each episode brings a new problem as the countdown to the wedding continues. We learn that Lily is expecting a daughter with Marshall and that Ted’s children are named Penny and Luke. The 200th episode shows us a glimpse of the Mother’s life eight years before she meets Ted, while later episodes offer teasing glimpses of Ted and the Mother together in flash-forward scenes. Additionally, Marshall finally uses his remaining two slaps from the slap bet: one as an apology for missing the rehearsal dinner and another when Barney starts panicking before the ceremony begins. In the series finale, we discover that after three years of marriage, Barney and Robin choose to divorce. Later on, we find out that Barney becomes a father from a one-night stand.