“Uncover the Hidden Secrets of How I Met Your Mother: 10 Trivia Bombshells That Will Change How You View the Show Forever!”
When How I Met Your Mother launched in 2005, no one—absolutely no one—could have predicted we’d be still discussing its zany escapades nine seasons later. Sure, we tuned in week after week to follow Ted Mosby’s grand, often bewildering quest for love, but let’s be real: it was the hilarious antics of a group of friends navigating adulthood that really hooked us. And oh, the finale! Love it or loathe it, it seemed to divide the fandom like no other ending could. But hold onto your blue French horns because the behind-the-scenes scoop packs just as much punch as the storylines we adored. Did you know that a star from The Big Bang Theory actually auditioned for a role? Or that Britney Spears’ involvement had the creators sweating bullets? Buckle up as we dive into the quirky and oftentimes unfathomable facts that shaped this iconic series and explore the fascinating real-life stories behind the characters we came to love. LEARN MOREHow I Met Your Mother premiered in 2005 and lasted for nine seasons. When the show was coming to an end, fans of the show were very focused on the series’ polarizing finale. Even Craig Thomas and Michael Bays didn’t expect their show to run that long. After all, as much as it was about Ted’s love life, the show had its moments of friendship, with the gang maturing over that period.
But, what about some of the interesting things that went on during the show’s run? Nobody expected a Big Bang Theory star to audition for one of the roles or that a pop star’s appearance was a bit too concerning for the creators. These facts are just as legendary as the show itself.
Ted, Lily, And Marshall Are Based On Actual People
When writers Carter Bays and Craig Thomas were invited to pitch a network series, they flashed back to 1997.
The pair hung out at Thomas’ apartment, which he shared with his girlfriend Rebecca, as Bays complained about being single. In the script, Bays became Ted, Thomas was Marshall, and Rebecca was Lily.
Barney Was Always In A Suit… Well, Almost
There are only 16 times in the shows nine seasons that Stinson wasn’t in his favorite suit. Think about it — that’s a ton of suits to go through in a near-decade.
Not only that, but having to wear a suit on a daily basis must have been exhausting. But, it’s all about the paycheck, right?
Jason Segel Was The First Choice For Marshall
During an interview, Bays and Thomas admitted to being fans of Freaks and Geeks. They loved Jason so much that he became their first choice for the role he would eventually play.
In the same interview, Segel responded that “they waited for me to get this role.” Just ahead, some big names were almost cast on the show, including the actress from Clueless.
Cobie Smulders Was Diagnosed With Ovarian Cancer In The Third Season
Smulder was diagnosed with cancer at 25 years old, and kept it a secret from the public for two years.
After several surgeries, the Canadian declared herself to be cancer-free. And even though doctors said she wouldn’t be able to conceive, she has two kids with her husband Taran Killam.
The “Have You Met Ted?” Line Came From A Letterman Writer
Justin Stangel invented the pickup line. Whenever the former Letterman writer and Bays were out at the bar, Stangel would stop a girl and ask, “Have you met Carter?”
That became Barney Stinson’s icebreaker for Ted and several other characters throughout the series.
Some Big Names Were Almost Cast On The Show
Jennifer-Love Hewitt was offered the role of Robin. Clueless star Alicia Silverstone was originally cast as Stella.
However, Hewitt declined for another show and Silverstone’s camp was concerned she would be overshadowed by acting alongside Brittney Spears. Still on the way, before this CBS hit, one actor almost landed the role of Barney Stinson.
Ted’s Kids Knew Who The Mother Would Be
Lyndsy Fonseca and David Henrie, who played Ted’s kids, shot all of their scenes during the first season.
When the kid’s footage for the show’s finale was shot, Thomas and Bays were the only people present. Fonseca and Henrie also signed a confidentiality agreement to not reveal what they know to the public.
Josh Radnor Kept The Blue French Horn
Bays and Thomas agreed to split custody of the iconic prop. However, Josh Radnor humbly and sweetly asked for it. It felt right he got to keep the horn because he played the show’s main character.
Neil Patrick Harris took home Barney’s playbook and the group’s tabletop at MacLaren’s, while Smulder’s kept and Robin Sparkle’s denim jacket.
