You’ve probably heard of the legendary sitcom “How I Met Your Mother”. It was a show that not only had viewers laughing, but also daring to dream of a life centered around friendship, love, and adventure.
But do you know what was going on behind the scenes? From the actors that brought our favorite characters to life to the writers crafting imaginative storylines and witty one-liners. In this article, we’ll be taking a closer look at what it took to make this iconic show so beloved.
We’ll be exploring topics like how the show went from conception to screen, how writers crafted engaging stories, and even some of the most amusing anecdotes from set life! So if you’re curious about what it was like to be part of “How I Met Your Mother” or just feeling nostalgic for its glory days, then read on for an in-depth look at behind-the-scenes action!
The Cast and Their Road to Stardom
When it premiered on September 19th, 2005, the cast of “How I Met Your Mother”—Josh Radnor, Cobie Smulders, Neil Patrick Harris, Alyson Hannigan and Jason Segel—may have been relatively unknown to some viewers. However, by the end of its nine season run in 2014, their names were known far and wide.
The show’s initial success was due in part to its mix of talent. Radnor was just starting out in Hollywood with a few minor roles under his belt; Hannigan and Harris had experienced moderate success from their roles in “Buffy The Vampire Slayer” and “Doogie Howser M.D.”, respectively; Smulders was a budding actress who had yet to find her breakout role; and Segel was perhaps best known at the time as one-half of the writing team that penned the movie “Forgetting Sarah Marshall.”
Little did we know then how these five stars would become household names over the next decade. Looking back at the show today, it’s clear that each actor has taken their career to new heights since “How I Met Your Mother” went off the air.
Going “Back to the Future” With Flashbacks
The “How I Met Your Mother” TV show was so beloved for its unique storytelling techniques that made it stand out from other sitcoms of the time. One of these techniques is the use of flashbacks to explore characters’ histories and bring depth and meaning to the story.
Using this technique, viewers got to go “Back to the Future” as they watched a selection of moments from Ted’s past, filling in his story in real time as he told it. These flashbacks often gave viewers a glimpse into how his life had been before he met the gang, informing how his character grew and changed over the series—and leaving fans wanting more!
By strategically placing flashbacks throughout each episode, producers were able to craft an intense rollercoaster ride of emotions for viewers. This helped keep fans invested and eagerly awaiting each episode for years. It also gave endless possibilities for speculation about how Ted’s story would tie up in the end—all coming together in a whirlwind of pink umbrellas at last!
Cinematography: Capturing New York City Cuteness
The setting for “How I Met Your Mother” is New York City, and the show does an impeccable job of capturing the beauty and charm of The Big Apple.
The cinematographers behind the show used a unique technique to bring out the city’s trademark vibrancy. They used long tracking shots—such as the one at McLarens Pub or Ted’s walk around Central Park—to showcase the cityscapes that so many viewers know and love.
The special effects team also deserves praise for their efforts in creating New York’s iconic scenery, including landmarks such as the Brooklyn Bridge, Statue of Liberty and even Times Square. Using bold colors, imaginative animations and unprecedented digital effects, they managed to make even seemingly mundane backdrops appear visually stunning.
Overall, viewers have been able to enjoy a whole new view of a legendary city through “How I Met Your Mother”. From its early days of runaway yellow cabs to its modern day skyline shots, it was clear that no detail was spared when it came time to capture the essence of New York City in each episode.
Music That Ties It All Together
When it comes to capturing the essence of “How I Met Your Mother”, the sitcom’s music plays a significant role. From the signature acoustic opening to the jazzy end credits, the show’s music is integral to the overall experience.
Score Composer John Swihart
The show’s composer, John Swihart, was responsible for writing much of the show’s original score. Swihart was able to capture and emphasize both the quirkiness and sentimentality of “How I Met Your Mother” by blending elements of jazz, rock, and orchestral music throughout the show. This combination allowed him to create a unique sound that perfectly encapsulated each individual moment in time.
Musical Cues
In addition to creating an overall background score for the series, John Swihart also composed several unique musical cues used throughout “How I Met Your Mother”. These carefully crafted pieces were used during pivotal moments on-screen—especially during memorable flashbacks or when Ted was about to embark on a new chapter in his life.
By integrating music into each episode in such an effective manner, “How I Met Your Mother” is able to capture a wide range of emotions and take viewers on an unforgettable journey through Ted’s romantic past.
Comedy Gold Moments & Iconic Lines
The sitcom “How I Met Your Mother” has no shortage of iconic lines that have become household sayings. From funny one-liners to goofy recurring jokes, the show was full of relatable humor that made it beloved by fans.
Some memorable lines include:
-“Suit up!”
-“Challenge accepted.”
-“Have you met Ted?”
-“It’s going to be legen… wait for it…dary! Legendary!”
-“Wait for it…”
The show also had plenty of comedic moments and running gags, like Barney’s confusing play on words which defied logic. Marshall’s lifelong battle with the paranormal was an ongoing source of comedy. And Robin’s Canadian heritage provided a wealth of awkward moments and untranslatable jokes.
The legendary comedy show truly had something for everyone to enjoy, and its memorable lines have been immortalized in the hearts and minds of viewers around the world.
How the Finale Left Us in Awe
Few finales in television history have been as hotly anticipated or as ultimately satisfying as the finale of ‘How I Met Your Mother.’ Although the show had waning ratings, its devoted fans stuck through to the end and were rewarded with a fitting conclusion.
From the final scenes of Ted and Tracy’s love to Barney and Robin’s bittersweet ending, every moment was perfectly aligned with what we’d come to expect from the show. Here are a few of the highlights:
- The perfect endgame for Ted (Josh Radnor): Though it was an emotional roller-coaster, Ted ended up right where he began: As a romantic idealist with a capacity for love.
- Lily and Marshall’s (Alyson Hannigan and Jason Segel) marriage: After 9 years of marriage, their bond proves that love can last.
- The story arc between Barney (Neil Patrick Harris) and Robin (Cobie Smulders): After countless ups and downs, this on again/off again pair finally found their way back to each other one last time.
- The emotional return of Future Ted (Bob Saget): His presence tied many loose ends together, allowing us to get one final glimpse into our beloved world from his perspective.
The finale left us with a sense of closure—that even though these characters were no longer with us on screen, we could always come back to them in our hearts.
From binge-worthy moments to stars who made the show iconic, How I Met Your Mother has become a much-cherished part of television history. If you’re a fan of the show, no doubt you’ll appreciate the effort that went into its production.
The creativity and effort that went into the writing, production, and performance of this show created a timeless classic that will still inspire and entertain for generations to come. How I Met Your Mother has shown us what happens when the right combination of elements come together to form something special: an amazing TV show that will remain a beloved classic for years to come.
