# How I Met Your Mother

> American sitcom (2005–2014)

**Wikidata**: [Q147235](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q147235)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/How_I_Met_Your_Mother)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/how-i-met-your-mother

## Summary
*How I Met Your Mother* is an American sitcom that aired from 2005 to 2014, created by Carter Bays and Craig Thomas. The show revolves around the story of Ted Mosby and his quest to find true love, narrated through his recounting of past events to his children. It blends comedy and drama, becoming a defining series of its era.

## Key Facts
- **Genre**: Sitcom, Comedy Drama
- **Created by**: Carter Bays and Craig Thomas
- **Original Network**: CBS
- **Country of Origin**: United States
- **Production Companies**: 20th Century Fox Television, 20th Television, Bays Thomas Productions
- **Aired**: September 19, 2005 – March 31, 2014
- **Episodes**: 208
- **Seasons**: 9
- **Narrative Style**: Framed storytelling, with Ted Mosby narrating to his children
- **Notable Cast**: Neil Patrick Harris, Jason Segel, Alyson Hannigan, Cobie Smulders, Josh Radnor
- **Eponymous Character**: The Mother (Tracy McConnell) revealed in the final season
- **Awards**: Received multiple nominations and wins including Primetime Emmy and Streamy Awards
- **Logo Variants**: Multiple official logos including the CBS site logo and Bays Thomas Productions logo
- **Social Media Handle**: @OfficialHIMYM
- **IMDb ID**: tt0460649
- **Wikipedia Links**: 89
- **Aliases**: HIMYM

## FAQs
**What is *How I Met Your Mother* about?**  
The show tells the story of Ted Mosby, who, in the year 2030, recounts to his children the events leading up to meeting their mother. The series explores themes of friendship, love, and personal growth through comedic and dramatic storytelling.

**Who created *How I Met Your Mother*?**  
The show was created by Carter Bays and Craig Thomas, both of whom are American television writers and producers. They developed the show for CBS and served as executive producers throughout its run.

**When did *How I Met Your Mother* air?**  
The series premiered on September 19, 2005, and concluded on March 31, 2014, spanning nine seasons and 208 episodes.

**What network originally aired the show?**  
*How I Met Your Mother* originally aired on CBS, a major American broadcast television network.

**What awards did the show win or receive?**  
The show received multiple accolades, including nominations and wins from the Primetime Emmy Awards, Streamy Awards, and Critics' Choice Television Awards. Notably, Neil Patrick Harris won a Primetime Emmy for Outstanding Guest Actor in a Comedy Series.

**Who were the main cast members?**  
The main cast included Josh Radnor (Ted Mosby), Neil Patrick Harris (Barney Stinson), Jason Segel (Marshall Eriksen), Alyson Hannigan (Lily Aldrin), and Cobie Smulders (Robin Scherbatsky).

**What is the significance of the character "The Mother"?**  
"The Mother," whose real name is Tracy McConnell, is the central figure in the show’s framing story. Her character is revealed in the final season and represents the culmination of Ted’s long search for love.

**What production companies were involved?**  
The series was produced by 20th Century Fox Television, 20th Television, and Bays Thomas Productions.

**What is the show's narrative structure?**  
The show is structured as a framed story, where an older Ted narrates past events to his children, revealing how he met their mother. This structure allows for flashbacks and non-linear storytelling.

**What is the show’s genre and tone?**  
It is classified as a sitcom and comedy-drama, blending humor with emotional storytelling, often focusing on relationships and personal development.

## Why It Matters
*How I Met Your Mother* is significant for redefining the sitcom genre in the 2000s and early 2010s. Its unique narrative structure, centered on Ted Mosby’s storytelling to his children, offered a fresh approach to episodic television. The show’s blend of humor, heart, and character development influenced a generation of TV comedies. It also elevated the careers of its cast and became a cultural touchstone, with characters like Barney Stinson becoming iconic. The series' legacy includes its influence on modern sitcoms and its exploration of love, friendship, and life’s complexities.

## Notable For
- **Narrative Innovation**: Unique framing device of a father telling his children a story
- **Iconic Characters**: Ted Mosby, Barney Stinson, Marshall Eriksen, Lily Aldrin, Robin Scherbatsky
- **Cultural Impact**: Influenced modern sitcoms and TV storytelling
- **Awards and Recognition**: Multiple Emmy nominations and wins, including for editing and guest acting
- **Longevity**: Nine seasons and 208 episodes over nearly a decade
- **Fan Engagement**: Cult following and active online communities
- **Voice and Representation**: Introduced "The Mother" as a pivotal character in the final season
- **Spin-offs and Legacy**: Inspired *How I Met Your Father*, continuing the universe

## Body

### History and Development
*How I Met Your Mother* was developed by Carter Bays and Craig Thomas, who created the show to explore themes of love, friendship, and personal growth through the lens of a sitcom. The series premiered on CBS on September 19, 2005, and concluded on March 31, 2014, after nine seasons and 208 episodes. The show’s unique narrative structure, where protagonist Ted Mosby tells his children the story of how he met their mother, was central to its identity.

### Cast and Characters
The main characters include:
- **Ted Mosby** (Josh Radnor): The central narrator and protagonist.
- **Barney Stinson** (Neil Patrick Harris): Known for his womanizing and catchphrases.
- **Marshall Eriksen** (Jason Segel): A family-oriented lawyer and environmentalist.
- **Lily Aldrin** (Alyson Hannigan): Marshall’s wife and a kindergarten teacher.
- **Robin Scherbatsky** (Cobie Smulders): A Canadian journalist and Ted’s on-and-off love interest.
- **The Mother (Tracy McConnell)**: Introduced in the final season as the long-sought character.

### Production and Companies
The series was produced by:
- **20th Century Fox Television**
- **20th Television**
- **Bays Thomas Productions**

These companies were responsible for the show’s development, production, and distribution.

### Awards and Recognition
The show received multiple awards and nominations, including:
- **Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Multi-Camera Picture Editing for a Comedy Series**
- **Streamy Awards**
- **Critics' Choice Television Awards**

These accolades highlight the show’s excellence in production and performance.

### Cultural Impact and Legacy
*How I Met Your Mother* left a lasting impact on television culture. Its unique storytelling, character development, and blend of comedy and drama influenced modern sitcoms. The show’s legacy includes:
- **Iconic Characters**: Barney Stinson became a cultural icon.
- **Narrative Innovation**: The framing story of Ted telling his children how he met their mother.
- **Fan Engagement**: A dedicated fanbase and active online communities.
- **Spin-offs**: *How I Met Your Father* continued the universe.

### Genre and Themes
Classified as a **sitcom** and **comedy-drama**, the show explores themes of:
- **Love and Relationships**
- **Friendship and Personal Growth**
- **Life’s Complexities**

Its blend of humor and heart resonated with audiences, making it a defining series of its time.

### Production Details
The series was produced with a focus on:
- **Narrative Structure**: Ted’s storytelling to his children.
- **Character Development**: Deep exploration of personal and romantic relationships.
- **Comedic Timing**: Blend of situational comedy and emotional storytelling.

### Reception and Influence
The show’s reception was overwhelmingly positive, with:
- **Critical Acclaim**: Praise for its writing, acting, and production values.
- **Cultural Impact**: Influenced modern sitcoms and storytelling techniques.
- **Fanbase**: A dedicated and engaged audience that continues to celebrate the series.

### Conclusion
*How I Met Your Mother* remains a significant cultural artifact, blending humor, heart, and innovative storytelling. Its legacy is marked by:
- **Narrative Innovation**
- **Iconic Characters**
- **Cultural Impact**
- **Critical Acclaim**

The series continues to influence television and remains a beloved part of pop culture.

## References

1. Česko-Slovenská filmová databáze
2. [Source](http://www.tvfestival.com/336-)
3. [fernsehserien.de](https://www.fernsehserien.de/how-i-met-your-mother)
4. 2013
5. BabelNet
6. Online-Filmdatenbank
7. Quora
8. [How I Met Your Mother](https://old.reddit.com/r/HIMYM/)
9. The Movie Database
10. [Source](https://golden.com/wiki/How_I_Met_Your_Mother-ZY3JMP)
11. Know Your Meme