All the How I Met Your Mother Seasons: RANKED!
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VOICE OVER: Phoebe de Jeu
WRITTEN BY: Tal Fox
All the How I Met Your Mother seasons ranked makes for a legend – wait for it - dary binge. For this list, we'll be looking at the beloved sitcom and ranking its nine seasons. Our countdown includes Season 9, Season 4, Season 2, and more!
Not every season can be legend... wait for it... dary. Welcome to MsMojo and today we’ll be counting down our picks for All the How I Met Your Mother Seasons: RANKED!
For this list, we’ll be looking at the beloved sitcom and ranking its nine seasons. The show brought us countless gags and lines we still quote today, but that doesn’t mean there weren’t some moments we would gladly skip. If you haven’t caught up with the series be warned that there could be some spoilers ahead.
#9: Season 9 (2013–14)
This season had the fans divided due to several controversial choices along the way. The finale had already been decided since the pilot, so much of season nine felt like filling time in a race to the end. The whole season is dedicated to Barney and Robin’s wedding weekend, only for them to get divorced in the finale. What really angered fans though, was that after teasing the mother’s identity for nine years, they just kill her off so Ted can ask out Robin. Even Alyson Hannigan was disappointed by the ending, which didn't provide the closure we all deserved.
#8: Season 8 (2012–13)
With the exception of a few stand alone episodes - involving Barney and Robin’s engagement and some time travel - this season marks the point when the writers seem to have run out of steam. Lily and Marshall attempt to navigate parenthood, while the Ted, Robin, Barney love triangle takes a strange turn following “The Autumn of Break-Ups.” After they all split from their respective partners, Barney and Robin’s behavior becomes more erratic, while Ted takes drastic measures to avoid the newly engaged lovebirds. But in the final moments of the season, the writers tease the fans by finally introducing the mother.
#7: Season 7 (2011–12)
While this season started to feel a bit slow, the writers still manage to take us on an emotional rollercoaster. Lily and Marshall have their baby, Barney proposes to Quinn, and fan favorite, Victoria reappears in Ted’s life. We see the return of old gags like the Slutty Pumpkin and a new one in the form of the ducky tie. The writers also hit us straight in the feels when Robin learns she can’t have kids, and with that heart-wrenching look on Barney’s face after he breaks up with Nora only to discover that Robin has decided to stay with Kevin.
#6: Season 1 (2005–06)
Not many sitcoms can boast such a strong start, although they still had to prove to the critics that this wasn’t just another “Friends” knock-off. The characters are established quickly but strongly, giving viewers more time to invest in their stories. The first season provided so many legendary moments including the introduction of the Blue French Horn, Ted’s rain dance and of course, the iconic “Pineapple Incident”. As the season comes to a close, Ted and Robin finally get together, Lily and Marshall fall apart and we are left on the edge of our seats in anticipation of what's to come.
#5: Season 6 (2010–11)
While fans were on the fence over Zoey and Ted’s relationship, at least it brought us memorable episodes like “Blitzgiving” and “Oh Honey”, guest starring Katy Perry. The “Bad News” episode is pure genius but also brings us one of the most heartbreaking moments in the entire series. The following episodes where Marshall stays in Minnesota tend to drag but as he parts from his father, Barney finally meets his, played by John Lithgow. Other series highlights include “Subway Wars” and “Glitter”, featuring Nicole Sherzinger and the brilliantly catchy song “Two Beavers Are Better Than One.”
#4: Season 3 (2007–08)
With the exception of an ill-fated romance blooming between Ted and Stella, season three has its fair share of stand-out episodes . Among the most memorable, “Slapsgiving” sees the return of the Slap Bet, accompanied by Marshall’s hilarious song; and another installment of the Robin Sparkles saga, bringing Barney and Robin closer than ever. We get plenty of unforgettable episodes including “Spoiler Alert”, “How I Met Everyone Else” and “Miracles”, not to mention cameos from Britney Spears and Enrique Inglesias. From season three, we also start learning more about the mother, starting with a very important yellow umbrella.
#3: Season 2 (2006–07)
This was one of the best seasons and the writers had yet to reach their peak. Newly single, Lily and Marshall’s friction is highly entertaining as we await their inevitable reunion, and later wedding. Meanwhile, Ted and Robin call time on their relationship after realizing they are on totally different paths. While “Swarley” and the two-part wedding episode are definitely highlights, “Slap Bet” is simply outstanding. Not only does it launch the infamous slap bet but also introduces us to Robin Sparkles and makes it impossible for fans to visit malls without wanting to sing out loud.
#2: Season 4 (2008–09)
So much happens in season four that it’s hard to know where to begin. Stella accepts Ted’s proposal only to later leave him at the altar. Lily and Marshall move into their new home, Robin moves in with Ted and after sleeping with 200 women, Barney is ready for something real, setting his sights on Robin. The gang become hysterically obsessed with interventions as they all struggle with big life changes. With countless laugh out loud moments, it’s no wonder this is the only season to have been nominated for an Emmy Award for Outstanding Comedy Series.
#1: Season 5 (2009–10)
Just as we thought the series had reached its peak, we were gifted with season five. We knew the characters well and were invested in their lives. Barney and Robin date, Marshall and Lily contemplate parenthood and Ted starts a new job. We’re introduced to the doppelgangers, learn about Barney’s playbook and the slap bet continues. We also discover even more about the mother when Ted unknowingly dates her roommate, Cindy. The show celebrates its 100th episode with Barney’s Emmy nominated song “Nothing Suits Me Like a Suit,” introducing his catchphrase, “Suit Up” into our lexicon. True story.
For this list, we’ll be looking at the beloved sitcom and ranking its nine seasons. The show brought us countless gags and lines we still quote today, but that doesn’t mean there weren’t some moments we would gladly skip. If you haven’t caught up with the series be warned that there could be some spoilers ahead.
#9: Season 9 (2013–14)
This season had the fans divided due to several controversial choices along the way. The finale had already been decided since the pilot, so much of season nine felt like filling time in a race to the end. The whole season is dedicated to Barney and Robin’s wedding weekend, only for them to get divorced in the finale. What really angered fans though, was that after teasing the mother’s identity for nine years, they just kill her off so Ted can ask out Robin. Even Alyson Hannigan was disappointed by the ending, which didn't provide the closure we all deserved.
#8: Season 8 (2012–13)
With the exception of a few stand alone episodes - involving Barney and Robin’s engagement and some time travel - this season marks the point when the writers seem to have run out of steam. Lily and Marshall attempt to navigate parenthood, while the Ted, Robin, Barney love triangle takes a strange turn following “The Autumn of Break-Ups.” After they all split from their respective partners, Barney and Robin’s behavior becomes more erratic, while Ted takes drastic measures to avoid the newly engaged lovebirds. But in the final moments of the season, the writers tease the fans by finally introducing the mother.
#7: Season 7 (2011–12)
While this season started to feel a bit slow, the writers still manage to take us on an emotional rollercoaster. Lily and Marshall have their baby, Barney proposes to Quinn, and fan favorite, Victoria reappears in Ted’s life. We see the return of old gags like the Slutty Pumpkin and a new one in the form of the ducky tie. The writers also hit us straight in the feels when Robin learns she can’t have kids, and with that heart-wrenching look on Barney’s face after he breaks up with Nora only to discover that Robin has decided to stay with Kevin.
#6: Season 1 (2005–06)
Not many sitcoms can boast such a strong start, although they still had to prove to the critics that this wasn’t just another “Friends” knock-off. The characters are established quickly but strongly, giving viewers more time to invest in their stories. The first season provided so many legendary moments including the introduction of the Blue French Horn, Ted’s rain dance and of course, the iconic “Pineapple Incident”. As the season comes to a close, Ted and Robin finally get together, Lily and Marshall fall apart and we are left on the edge of our seats in anticipation of what's to come.
#5: Season 6 (2010–11)
While fans were on the fence over Zoey and Ted’s relationship, at least it brought us memorable episodes like “Blitzgiving” and “Oh Honey”, guest starring Katy Perry. The “Bad News” episode is pure genius but also brings us one of the most heartbreaking moments in the entire series. The following episodes where Marshall stays in Minnesota tend to drag but as he parts from his father, Barney finally meets his, played by John Lithgow. Other series highlights include “Subway Wars” and “Glitter”, featuring Nicole Sherzinger and the brilliantly catchy song “Two Beavers Are Better Than One.”
#4: Season 3 (2007–08)
With the exception of an ill-fated romance blooming between Ted and Stella, season three has its fair share of stand-out episodes . Among the most memorable, “Slapsgiving” sees the return of the Slap Bet, accompanied by Marshall’s hilarious song; and another installment of the Robin Sparkles saga, bringing Barney and Robin closer than ever. We get plenty of unforgettable episodes including “Spoiler Alert”, “How I Met Everyone Else” and “Miracles”, not to mention cameos from Britney Spears and Enrique Inglesias. From season three, we also start learning more about the mother, starting with a very important yellow umbrella.
#3: Season 2 (2006–07)
This was one of the best seasons and the writers had yet to reach their peak. Newly single, Lily and Marshall’s friction is highly entertaining as we await their inevitable reunion, and later wedding. Meanwhile, Ted and Robin call time on their relationship after realizing they are on totally different paths. While “Swarley” and the two-part wedding episode are definitely highlights, “Slap Bet” is simply outstanding. Not only does it launch the infamous slap bet but also introduces us to Robin Sparkles and makes it impossible for fans to visit malls without wanting to sing out loud.
#2: Season 4 (2008–09)
So much happens in season four that it’s hard to know where to begin. Stella accepts Ted’s proposal only to later leave him at the altar. Lily and Marshall move into their new home, Robin moves in with Ted and after sleeping with 200 women, Barney is ready for something real, setting his sights on Robin. The gang become hysterically obsessed with interventions as they all struggle with big life changes. With countless laugh out loud moments, it’s no wonder this is the only season to have been nominated for an Emmy Award for Outstanding Comedy Series.
#1: Season 5 (2009–10)
Just as we thought the series had reached its peak, we were gifted with season five. We knew the characters well and were invested in their lives. Barney and Robin date, Marshall and Lily contemplate parenthood and Ted starts a new job. We’re introduced to the doppelgangers, learn about Barney’s playbook and the slap bet continues. We also discover even more about the mother when Ted unknowingly dates her roommate, Cindy. The show celebrates its 100th episode with Barney’s Emmy nominated song “Nothing Suits Me Like a Suit,” introducing his catchphrase, “Suit Up” into our lexicon. True story.
