It’s been on my list for years. One of those shows people can’t believe you haven’t seen. And now, after finally binge-watching all nine seasons of How I Met Your Mother, I have emerged from the chaos with a full heart, mild emotional damage, and a lot to say. So consider this your spoiler alert—if you haven’t watched it and you’re oddly attached to not knowing how it ends… turn back now.
Let’s get this out of the way first: I really liked the series. I get the cult following. The running jokes, the loveable chaos, the insane NYC apartment no one could afford? I ate it up. It’s clever, charming, occasionally frustrating, and full of warm, rewatchable energy. Would I recommend it? Absolutely. With a side of therapy.
Now let’s talk about the ending.
Because what was that?
We spend nine seasons building up to “the mother,” a.k.a. Tracy, who, by the way, is delightful. Smart, sweet, musically gifted, perfect rom-com energy. And then she just… dies. Not in a poetic way. Not in a narratively satisfying way. In a oh hey by the way she’s gone now lol sort of way. And suddenly we’re supposed to root for Ted to end up with Robin?
Let me be clear: I never liked Robin. Did she have redeeming qualities? Sure. Was she funny sometimes? Yes. Would I want to split a cab with her or go to brunch? Absolutely not. She consistently pushed Ted away, emotionally whiplashed the group, and had one too many commitment issues for my taste. And I know—she’s “real” and “independent” and “not ready to settle down”—but this is a rom-com sitcom, not a therapy session.
Meanwhile, Barney Stinson, my forever favorite, carried the show in a suit. Day in and day out, he was ridiculous, over-the-top, but also weirdly heartfelt and vulnerable when it counted. I don’t even care if he was problematic at times. Neil Patrick Harris is a force, and honestly, I would’ve watched a spinoff with just him and a slideshow of his tie collection.
And then there’s Ted. Sweet, hopeless, slightly exhausting Ted. The show says it’s about how he met the mother, but let’s be real—it’s about Ted and Robin the entire time. The whole premise was a misdirection. A long, winding story that was never really about “the mother” at all.
And maybe that’s the point. Maybe How I Met Your Mother was never about one relationship, but about how love, heartbreak, and timing can wreck you, mold you, and eventually lead you right back to where you started.
Or maybe they just wanted to end it full circle and hoped we wouldn’t notice the whiplash.
Did the ending make me feel slightly betrayed? Yes.
Do I think the mother deserved better? Absolutely.
Would I still recommend this series to anyone who loves quick banter, warm friend-group dynamics, and unhinged love stories set to ‘00s music cues? Without a doubt.
