It’s been nearly 9 years since “How I Met Your Mother’s” series finale aired. Like many other shows from the ‘90s, it continues to find new fans thanks to streaming services.
As its spinoff “How I Met Your Father” returns for its second season this Tuesday on Hulu, we decided to take a look back at some of the most interesting fun facts about the original show. Check out 15 things you might not know about “HIMYM” and its cast below.
1. When did it start and end?
“How I Met Your Mother” premiered on September 19, 2005 and its final episode aired on March 31, 2014.
Co-creator/executive producer Carter Bays, second right, speaks as actor Jason Segel, from left, actress Alyson Hannigan, and co-creator/executive producer Craig Thomas look on during the panel discussion for the sitcom "How I Met Your Mother" at the Television Critics Association Winter Press Tour for CBS, the CW and Showtime, Wednesday, Jan. 11, 2012, in Pasadena, Calif. (AP Photo/Jason Redmond)AP
2. It’s based on real-life events
The show was loosely based on creators Carter Bays’ and Craig Thomas’ time living in New York City.
3. What’s the name of the show’s theme song?
The pair are also part of the band The Solids. Part of one of the band’s songs “Hey Beautiful” was used for the show’s theme song.
The Cleveland skyline is shown, Tuesday, April 13, 2021, in Cleveland. (AP Photo/Tony Dejak)AP
4. Ohio connections
Bays is originally from Northeast Ohio which is why the show had multiple Cleveland connections. Josh Radnor was originally from Columbus.
Bob Saget arrives at the Film Independent Spirit Awards on Saturday, Feb. 25, 2017, in Santa Monica, Calif. (Photo by Jordan Strauss/Invision/AP)Jordan Strauss/Invision/AP
5. Who was the narrator?
Comedian Bob Saget, best known as “Full House” TV dad Danny Tanner, was the show’s narrator in the role of Future Ted.
Jennifer Love Hewitt, Jason Biggs and Alicia Silverstone were all actors who were offered roles they ended up turning down on "How I Met Your Mother" (AP)
6. Other potential actors
Prior to Cobie Smulders being cast as Robin, Jennifer Love Hewitt was approached about the role. Jason Biggs was offered the role of Ted. Alicia Silverstone was originally cast as Ted’s love interest Stella before she backed out of the role.
Actors Lyndsy Fonseca and David Henrie who played Ted Mosby's kids on "How I Met Your Mother" (AP)
7. Most appearances
Outside of the main cast, the two actors who appeared in the most episodes were Lyndsy Fonseca and David Henrie who played Ted’s future children.
The husbands of Alyson Hannigan, Cobie Smulders and Neil Patrick Harris all appeared in episodes of the show. (AP)
8. Their leading men
The husbands of Alyson Hannigan, Neil Patrick Harris and Cobie Smulders all appeared as characters on the show.
Britney Spears, Katy Perry and Katie Holmes all made notable guest appearances in episodes of "How I Met Your Mother." (AP)
9. Famous guest stars
Many notable celebrities made appearances on the show over the years, some of the most famous guest stars included Britney Spears, Katy Perry and Katie Holmes.
Alan Thicke, James Van Der Beek and Paul Shaffer were just a few of the many Canadian celebrities who appeared on the show. (AP)
10. O, Canada
The show also featured multiple Canadian celebs including Alan Thicke, James Van Der Beek and Paul Shaffer.
11. Not just a hit in Canada
Robin’s teen starlet song “Let’s Go To the Mall” was included in one of the games in the “Just Dance” series.
12. Oh, baby
Hannigan’s pregnancy during the 4th season was worked into an episode where her belly was attributed winning a hot dog eating contest.
HOLLYWOOD, CA - MAY 03: Actress Ashley Williams arrives at the "Something Borrowed" Los Angeles Premiere on May 3, 2011 in Hollywood, California. (Photo by Jordan Strauss/Invision/AP Images)Jordan Strauss/Invision/AP
13. An alternate mother
If the show had been cancelled early on, the plan had been to make Ashley Williams character Victoria the mother.
14. A controversial ending
The ending of the show angered many fans, leading to the creation of an alternate ending that was included on DVDS.
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - MARCH 10: (L-R) Hilary Duff, Chris Lowell, Tom Ainsley, Francia Raisa, and Tien Tran attend the “How I Met Your Father" fan experience in Los Angeles celebrating the show’s first season finale with cast on March 10, 2022 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Emma McIntyre/Getty Images)Getty Images
15. The sequel(s)
Prior to “How I Met Your Father,” Bays and Thomas shot a pilot for a proposed show “How I Met Your Dad” but the studio passed. Eventually “HIMYF” was developed, including several nods to the original show.
A look at prior movie and tv-related fun fact lists (Associated Press)
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