Common Sense Media Review
Witty sitcom about love features sex talk, drinking.
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Why Age 14+?
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How I Met Your Mother
Parent and Kid Reviews
Based on 43 parent reviews
Based on 201 kid reviews
Kids say the show is a hilarious and engaging sitcom that resonates well with teens and even some younger viewers who are mature enough to understand its themes. However, many reviews caution about its frequent discussions around sex, alcohol, and occasional swearing, prompting recommendations for viewers to be at least 12-14 years old, depending on their maturity level.
- humor
- mature themes
- age recommendation
- character development
- binge-worthy
- friendship
Summarized with AI
What's the Story?
HOW I MET YOUR MOTHER begins every episode many years from now, with future Ted (voiced by Bob Saget) telling his teenage kids a story about his life as a single New Yorker trying to find the woman who will one day be their mom. Back in the present, Ted (Josh Radnor) is aided in his quest by his friends Barney (Neil Patrick Harris), Marshall (Jason Segel), Lily (Alyson Hannigan), and Robin (Cobie Smulders). The quintet endures all the bumps of dating, friendship, and careers in the big city. As the series hops back and forth in time, it drops clues about who the kids' mother may be. But her identity—and how the relationship comes together—is filled with many curveballs and lessons along the way.
Is It Any Good?
The strength of this witty comedy lies in the five main characters' ample chemistry. How I Met Your Mother portrays the characters like real-life best friends, and their conflicts and triumphs seem like the kinds of issues that might happen to anyone—except served up with catchy one-liners.
But there are some questionable parts. Barney's casual flings and the show's Asian stereotypes generally pass without comment. And despite the show being set in New York City, characters of color are jarringly few and far between. The gimmick behind the title, "How I met your mother," also starts to wear thin. While clever in early episodes, viewers likely no longer care as seasons progress. We get to watch Ted deal with the struggles of adulthood, but specifically, the many mishaps of his love life. It gets to a certain point where viewers might be more intrigued by other characters' backstories and lives.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about How I Met Your Mother's approach to romantic relationships. Is Ted's "one true love" ideal realistic? How does his attitude differ from Barney's? Which do you prefer? If neither, why?
The show has many components of a traditional sitcom—a tight friend group, a bar as a home base, and a signature laugh track. What makes it stand out? Why do you think so many TV comedies are so similar?
Why do you think the show chose to center so much of the story around the group, rather than following each character's life in more detail? What does the series say about friendship and romance?
Are there any role models in How I Met Your Mother? Do characters demonstrate communication, teamwork, and empathy? Why are these important character strengths?
TV Details
- Premiere date : September 19, 2005
- Cast : Alyson Hannigan , Cobie Smulders , Jason Segel , Josh Radnor , Neil Patrick Harris
- Networks : CBS , Syndicated
- Genre : Comedy
- Topics : Friendship
- Character Strengths : Communication , Empathy , Teamwork
- TV rating :
- Awards : Emmy - Emmy Award Winner , Emmy - Emmy Award Nominee , Golden Globe - Golden Globe Award Nominee
- Last updated : September 15, 2026
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