How I Met Your Mother Episode Guide

Episode Guide

How I Met Your Mother: Season 5 (2009)

• Season 5 Episode 9: Slapsgiving 2: Revenge of the Slap

  Marshall bequeaths a 'slap bet' slap to Ted and Robin; Lily's estranged father (Chris Elliott) visits for Thanksgiving.

• Season 5 Episode 8: The Playbook

  After breaking up with Robin, Barney pulls out all of his greatest tricks to get back into the dating scene.

• Season 5 Episode 7: The Rough Patch

  When Robin and Barney hit a rough patch in their relationship, Lily tries to break them up.

• Season 5 Episode 6: Bagpipes

  Barney's know-it-all attitude gets him in hot water with Robin; Marshall and Lily offer relationship advice.

• Season 5 Episode 5: Duel Citizenship

  Barney wants Robin to become an American citizen; Lily joins Marshall and Ted on their road trip.

• Season 5 Episode 4: The Sexless Innkeeper

  Lily and Marshall try too hard to impress Robin and Barney and come on too strong, forcing Barney and Robin to try to break up with them as double-date friends.

• Season 5 Episode 3: Robin 101

  Robin investigates when she thinks Barney is cheating on her, only to find that he is spending his time with Ted, taking lessons in how to date her.

• Season 5 Episode 2: Double Date

  Ted realizes that the girl he goes on a blind date with is actually someone he dated years earlier, and that they still have nothing in common.

• Season 5 Episode 1: Definitions

  Lily forces Barney and Robin to face their fears about defining their relationship; Ted is anxious about his first lecture at Columbia.

How I Met Your Mother: Season 4 (2008 - 2009)

• Season 4 Episode 24: The Leap

  Ted wonders if he should explore other career options; Marshall tries to lure Ted to the roof for a surprise birthday party.

• Season 4 Episode 23: As Fast As She Can

  Stella's fiancé, Tony, tries to help Ted find a job; Barney tries to talk his way out of a speeding ticket.

• Season 4 Episode 22: Right Place Right Time

  Ted ponders how being in the right place at the right time can impact a person's life; Barney celebrates his 200th female conquest.

• Season 4 Episode 21: The Three Days Rule

  Barney and Marshall play a joke on Ted, who is having a 'text' relationship with a girl (Rebecca Budig) he's just met.

• Season 4 Episode 20: Mobius Designs

  When Ted loses his job, he decides to start his own architectural firm.

• Season 4 Episode 19: Murtaugh

  Barney tries to prove Ted wrong by completing every task on Ted's list of things he thinks the gang is too old to do.

• Season 4 Episode 18: Old King Clancy

  Barney and Marshall conspire to keep Ted in the dark when a client cancels plans to build its new headquarters using Ted's design.

• Season 4 Episode 17: The Front Porch

  Ted learns that not only did Lily plant another woman's earring in his bed for Karen to find, she has meddled in some of his other relationships as well.

• Season 4 Episode 16: Sorry, Bro

  Marshall and Lily are less than thrilled when they hear that Ted's college girlfriend (Laura Prepon) has moved to New York.

• Season 4 Episode 15: The Stinsons

  The gang thinks that Barney must have a secret girlfriend after noticing his bizarre behavior.

• Season 4 Episode 14: The Possimpible

  Robin relies on a video resume prepared by Barney to land a job in broadcasting before facing deportation back to Canada. Comedy, starring Neil Patrick Harris as Barney.

• Season 4 Episode 13: Three Days of Snow

  Lily and Marshall try to continue their airport reunion tradition; Barney and Ted offer to keep MacLaren's open during a blizzard so they can meet up with some college girls.

• Season 4 Episode 12: Benefits

  Robin and Ted discover they get along better as roommates if they become friends with benefits; reality stars taunt Marshall from the pages of his magazine.

• Season 4 Episode 11: Little Minnesota

  Ted goes out of his way to keep his sister out of trouble when she comes to visit; Marshall introduces Robin to a Minnesota-themed bar.

• Season 4 Episode 10: The Fight

  Ted and Barney pick a fight with a bunch of guys to improve their friends' perceptions of them.

  Next on: Monday 30th November 8:00pm EST - KTVT (CBS)
• Season 4 Episode 9: The Naked Man

  Ted walks into the apartment and finds Robin's date sitting on the couch naked.

• Season 4 Episode 8: Woooo!

  Robin rediscovers a group of single girls who like to party; Ted pitches Barney a design for his company's headquarters.

• Season 4 Episode 7: Not a Father's Day

  Lily asks Robin and Ted for advice when she and Marshall consider having a baby.

• Season 4 Episode 6: Happily Ever After

  A serendipitous meeting with someone from his past has Ted thinking about how he would handle running into someone he would prefer to forget.

• Season 4 Episode 5: Shelter Island

  Stella (Sarah Chalke) and Ted's spontaneous wedding plans are jeopardized by the presence of their exes.

• Season 4 Episode 4: Intervention

  Ted discovers that his friends ditched their plans to stage an intervention for his engagement to Stella, but he is adamant that they go through with it anyway.

• Season 4 Episode 3: I Heart NJ

  Ted is stunned to learn that Stella expects him to move to New Jersey after they wed.

• Season 4 Episode 2: The Best Burger in New York

  Burger-mad Marshall meets Regis Philbin while on a quest to find the restaurant where he had his very first New York burger.

• Season 4 Episode 1: Do I Know You?

  Stella responds to Ted's proposal; Barney realizes he's in love with Robin.

How I Met Your Mother: Season 3 (2007 - 2008)

• Season 3 Episode 20: Miracles

  Barney discovers Ted has been knocked over by a taxi, and rushes to the hospital to check he is okay. On the way, he is hit by a bus and breaks all the bones in his body. Stella discovers her boyfriend was planning to split up with her before the accident, and decides to end the relationship herself

• Season 3 Episode 19: Everything Must Go

  Abby admits she is the one blacklisting Barney with other women, but the two reconcile their differences over their mutual hatred of Ted. They go to the bar to flaunt their faux-romance, but when the serial womaniser proposes to her for a joke she takes it seriously. Guest starring Britney Spears

• Season 3 Episode 18: Rebound Bro

  Stella declares herself ready to have sex with Ted, but when she finds out that he told Marshall and Lily about her five years of celibacy she dumps him. Meanwhile, Barney starts the search for a new 'Bro' and half-heartedly settles on work colleague Randy

• Season 3 Episode 17: The Goat

  Ted's 30th birthday is ruined when he finds out that Barney slept with Robin, and he tells the serial womaniser that they can no longer be friends. Meanwhile, Lily rescues a goat

• Season 3 Episode 16: Sandcastles in the Sand

  Robin rekindles a spark with her ex-boyfriend Simon, despite warnings from her friends. The pair arrange to go on a date, but she gets ditched and Barney is left to console her. James Van Der Beek guest stars, with Cobie Smulders and Neil Patrick Harris

• Season 3 Episode 15: The Chain of Screaming

  Marshall becomes terrified of his boss after he sees him screaming at one of his colleagues, and begins to question whether his job is worth the stress it is causing him. American sitcom, starring Josh Radnor and Jason Segel, with a guest appearance by Bob Odenkirk

• Season 3 Episode 14: The Bracket

  A mystery woman sabotages Barney's love life, and to try to figure out who she is, Barney creates his own set of tournament brackets to decide which of 64 women has the most cause to hate him.

• Season 3 Episode 13: Ten Sessions

  Ted tries to make his dermatologist jealous by flirting with her receptionist Abby, but when she develops feelings for him it throws a spanner in the works, until Barney takes her off his hands. Guest starring Britney Spears

• Season 3 Episode 12: No Tomorrow

  Lily and Marshall host a game night to celebrate St Patrick's Day, but Barney persuades Ted to join him for a night on the town. Starring Josh Radnor and Alyson Hannigan

• Season 3 Episode 11: The Platinum Rule

  Ted considers dating his tattoo removal doctor, but his friends warn him of the consequences of going out with regular acquaintances - which it turns out they have all suffered in the past. American sitcom, starring Josh Radnor and Alyson Hannigan

• Season 3 Episode 10: The Yips

  Barney's confidence with women evaporates when he meets Rhonda, the woman he lost his virginity to, and discovers that she was unimpressed with his performance in bed - leaving the one-time Lothario hoping that a trip to a Victoria's Secret fashion show will help him recover. Guest starring Heidi Klum

• Season 3 Episode 9: Slapsgiving

  Lily worries about her first Thanksgiving as a married woman, Ted sleeps with Robin after an argument before realising that they have nothing to talk about, and Barney worries about Marshall administering his slaps

• Season 3 Episode 8: Spoiler Alert

  Ted is delighted with a woman he is seeing, but soon makes the mistake of introducing her to his friends and they waste no time in pointing out her flaws. They then reveal what they think are each other's worst character traits. Meanwhile, Marshall anxiously waits for the results of his bar exam

• Season 3 Episode 7: Dowisetrepla

  Lily and Marshall become tired of Ted's intrusions on their privacy and decide to find a new flat - but are unable to settle on something they both feel is suitable. Starring Josh Radnor, Alyson Hannigan and Neil Patrick Harris

• Season 3 Episode 6: I'm Not That Guy

  Marshall is delighted to receive a job offer from an environmental agency, but finds himself conflicted when a bigger but less scrupulous law firm also tries to secure his services - and offers him significantly higher wages. Sitcom starring Josh Radnor, with Jason Segel, Alyson Hannigan, Cobie Smulders and Neil Patrick Harris

• Season 3 Episode 5: How I Met Everyone Else

  Ted decides to tell his new girlfriend how he met his friends, but none of the various versions of events entirely add up. Sitcom, starring Josh Radnor, Alyson Hannigan, Jason Segel, Neil Patrick Harris and Cobie Smulders

• Season 3 Episode 4: Little Boys

  Lily dates a single dad and gets on well with his son, but soon decides that things are getting too serious and looks for a way to avoid the boy. Ted and Barney compete for a woman's attention to prove once and for all who is better with the ladies, while Marshall tries to prove he can be a good wingman

• Season 3 Episode 3: The Third Wheel

  Ted goes to Maclaren's by himself, where a woman he slept with in the past takes a shine to him again. Her old college friend also turns up and shows an interest, leaving him with the dilemma of which one to pick when they both make it clear they want to go home with him. Elsewhere, Robin's decision not to shave her legs comes back to haunt her on a date with a doctor

• Season 3 Episode 2: We're Not From Here

  Barney and Ted decide Gael's romantic successes are due to his foreign accent, and pretend to be tourists in a bid to attract women. When she came back from Argentina Robin was feeling relaxed, but she soon finds herself feeling uptight. Starring Josh Radnor, Alyson Hannigan and Neil Patrick Harris

• Season 3 Episode 1: Wait for It

  Robin shows up with new date Gael (singer Enrique Iglesias) which prompts Ted to move on. While out on the town with Barney and Marshall, he meets fun-loving Amy (Mandy Moore). American comedy, starring Cobie Smulders and Josh Radnor

How I Met Your Mother: Season 2 (2006 - 2007)

• Season 2 Episode 22: Something Blue

  US sitcom, with Josh Radnor as a man searching for true love, with the aid of his eccentric circle of friends. At the wedding reception Robin tries to tell a story but is constantly interrupted. Barney tries to figure out Ted and Robin's secret

• Season 2 Episode 21: Something Borrowed

  US sitcom, with Josh Radnor as a man searching for true love, with the aid of his eccentric circle of friends. Barney surprises everyone by being Mr Fix-it on Marshall and Lily's wedding day

• Season 2 Episode 20: Showdown

  US sitcom, with Josh Radnor as a man searching for true love, with the aid of his eccentric circle of friends. Barney is thrilled to be a contestant on The Price is Right, since he believes the host to be his father

• Season 2 Episode 19: Bachelor Party

  Barney hires a stripper for Marshall's stag party, while Robin attends Lily's bridal shower. Starring Jason Segel and Alyson Hannigan

• Season 2 Episode 18: Moving Day

  Barney takes desperate measure to stop Ted moving in with Robin, while Marshal and Lily contemplate having the flat to themselves. Starring Josh Radnor and Alyson Hannigan

• Season 2 Episode 17: Arrivederci, Fiero

  While visiting a mechanic, Marshall reminisces about the good times he has had with his car. Alyson Hannigan stars

• Season 2 Episode 16: Stuff

  Barney lands himself in trouble when he his too honest about Lily's performance in a play. Starring Josh Radnor and Alyson Hannigan

• Season 2 Episode 15: Lucky Penny

  A string of bad luck ensues when Ted picks up a lucky penny; Marshall's injured toe keeps him out of the New York City Marathon.

• Season 2 Episode 14: Monday Night Football

  When a funeral foils Ted's Super Bowl plans, the gang makes a pact to remain in the dark about the winner until everyone can watch the recording together; star-struck Barney recognizes Emmitt Smith on the street.

• Season 2 Episode 13: Columns

  Marshall's pals torment him after discovering a nude painting of him; Ted struggles to fire a difficult employee (Bryan Cranston).

• Season 2 Episode 12: First Time in New York

  The gang reminisces about the past as Robin tries to stop her younger sister losing her virginity. Starring Josh Radnor and Alyson Hannigan

• Season 2 Episode 11: How Lily Stole Christmas

  Ted and Lily come close to ruining Christmas when they have an argument. Starring Josh Radnor and Alyson Hannigan

• Season 2 Episode 10: Single Stamina

  Barney's gay brother (Wayne Brady) arrives as Barney is struggling with the realization that all his friends have settled into relationships.

• Season 2 Episode 9: Slap Bet

  Robin refuses to go to the mall, while Ted and Barney contemplate women. Starring Josh Radnor and Alyson Hannigan

• Season 2 Episode 8: Atlantic City

  Marshall and Lily drag the gang to Atlantic City where they plan to elope, but face a three-day wait for a wedding license. Alyson Hannigan and Neil Patrick Harris star

• Season 2 Episode 7: Swarley

  Ted and Barney are sceptical of Marshall's date, while Lily attempts to break them up. Alyson Hannigan and Neil Patrick Harris star

• Season 2 Episode 6: Aldrin Justice

  US sitcom, with Josh Radnor as a man searching for true love, with the aid of his eccentric circle of friends. The stories are narrated by his older self telling his children, in a roundabout way, how he met their mother. Also starring Alyson Hannigan and Neil Patrick Harris

• Season 2 Episode 5: World's Greatest Couple

  US sitcom, with Josh Radnor as a man searching for true love, with the aid of his eccentric circle of friends. The stories are narrated by his older self telling his children, in a roundabout way, how he met their mother. Also starring Alyson Hannigan and Neil Patrick Harris

• Season 2 Episode 4: Ted Mosby, Architect

  US sitcom, with Josh Radnor as a man searching for true love, with the aid of his eccentric circle of friends. The stories are narrated by his older self telling his children, in a roundabout way, how he met their mother. Also starring Alyson Hannigan and Neil Patrick Harris

• Season 2 Episode 3: Brunch

  US sitcom, with Josh Radnor as a man searching for true love, with the aid of his eccentric circle of friends. The stories are narrated by his older self telling his children, in a roundabout way, how he met their mother. Also starring Alyson Hannigan and Neil Patrick Harris

• Season 2 Episode 2: The Scorpion and the Toad

  US sitcom, with Josh Radnor as a man searching for true love, with the aid of his eccentric circle of friends. The stories are narrated by his older self telling his children, in a roundabout way, how he met their mother. Also starring Alyson Hannigan and Neil Patrick Harris

• Season 2 Episode 1: Where Were We?

  US sitcom, with Josh Radnor as a man searching for true love, with the aid of his eccentric circle of friends. The stories are narrated by his older self telling his children, in a roundabout way, how he met their mother. Also starring Alyson Hannigan and Neil Patrick Harris

How I Met Your Mother: Season 1 (2005 - 2006)

• Season 1 Episode 22: Come On

  Ted wants to spend more time with Robin, so he tries to stop her going on a camping trip. Barney enlists the help of a former girlfriend to perform a rain dance, and Marshall finds out about Lily's interview for a San Francisco fellowship. Last in the series

• Season 1 Episode 21: Milk

  Lily secretly applies for an art scholarship, while Ted receives a phone call from a dating agency claiming to have found his perfect match. However, he is forced to put the idea on hold because of his ever-present feelings for Robin. Meanwhile, Barney's prank war steps up a gear

• Season 1 Episode 20: Best Prom Ever

  Lily convinces Robin to gatecrash a high-school prom with her in an attempt to get a look at the band she would like to play at her wedding. Meanwhile, Ted and Marshall stay at home and prepare the invitations

• Season 1 Episode 19: Mary the Paralegal

  Robin arranges to take fellow newsreader Sandy to an awards ceremony - prompting Barney to find the perfect date for Ted in a bid to make her jealous. Comedy, starring Cobie Smulders, Neil Patrick Harris and Josh Radnor

• Season 1 Episode 18: Nothing Good Happens After 2am

  A lonely Robin invites Ted to her flat, placing him in a predicament as he awaits a phone call from Victoria, convinced it is time to put an end to their long-distance relationship

• Season 1 Episode 17: Life Among the Gorillas

  Marshall does work experience at Barney's company, where his personality changes for the worse as he struggles to conform. Meanwhile, Ted is bombarded with gifts from Victoria, but feels guilty at not having sent her anything in return. US comedy, with Josh Radnor, Alyson Hannigan and Neil Patrick Harris

• Season 1 Episode 16: Cupcake

  Victoria is offered a culinary scholarship in Germany, presenting her with a dilemma. Lily heads out in search of the perfect wedding dress, while Barney convinces Marshall it's time for him to smarten up his appearance and sends him to see his tailor. Comedy, starring Alyson Hannigan and Neil Patrick Harris

• Season 1 Episode 15: Game Night

  Barney receives a tape from the ex-girlfriend who broke his heart and made him into a suit-wearing bachelor. All of his friends want to know why they split up, but they are forced to reveal their most embarrassing moments before hearing the full story. Comedy, starring Neil Patrick Harris and Alyson Hannigan

• Season 1 Episode 14: Zip, Zip, Zip

  Ted and Victoria agree to take things slowly and abstain from sex for a month, but their resolve soon weakens, and they are caught in a compromising position by Marshall and Lily. Meanwhile, Ted makes Robin his 'bro' for the evening. Starring Josh Radnor and Ashley Williams

• Season 1 Episode 13: Drumroll, Please

  Ted meets his perfect woman at a wedding, but they do not exchange surnames or numbers, making it nigh-on impossible for him to track her down. To complicate matters, it also transpires that Robin has developed feelings for him. Comedy, starring Josh Radnor and Cobie Smulders

• Season 1 Episode 12: The Wedding

  US sitcom, with Josh Radnor as a young man searching for true love, with the aid of his eccentric circle of friends. The stories are narrated by his older self telling his children, in a roundabout way, how he met their mother. Also starring Alyson Hannigan and Neil Patrick Harris

• Season 1 Episode 11: The Limo

  Ted decides to celebrate the New Year in style by renting a limo and taking his friends to five different parties. Along the way, they give a lift to a man they are convinced is the musician Moby

• Season 1 Episode 10: The Pineapple Incident

  Barney comes to the conclusion that Ted thinks too much, and decides there's only one cure - getting him hopelessly drunk. The next day, the gang help their hung-over friend to piece together the hazy incidents of the previous night

• Season 1 Episode 9: Belly Full of Turkey

  Ted and Robin volunteer at a homeless shelter, but are shocked to find Barney working there. Lily dreads having Thanksgiving dinner with Marshall's parents - and is surprised to discover being tall runs in his family

• Season 1 Episode 8: The Duel

  Lily's flat is turned into a Chinese restaurant, forcing her to move in with Marshall. However, Barney convinces Ted that he will be driven from the house now his flatmate's fiancee is in residence. Comedy, starring Alyson Hannigan

• Season 1 Episode 7: Matchmaker

  Ted visits a matchmaker with a 100 per cent success record - and is told he is not compatible with any woman. Lily and Marshall's apartment is invaded by a strange creature. Sitcom, starring Josh Radnor and Alyson Hannigan

• Season 1 Episode 6: Slutty Pumpkin

  The friends prepare for their annual Hallowe'en party - which for Ted means another fruitless search for the girl he met at the event years ago but has never seen since. Marshall and Lily enter a costume competition, and Robin introduces everyone to her new boyfriend

  Next on: Monday 7th December 1:30am EST - Lifetime
• Season 1 Episode 5: Okay, Awesome

  Lily and Marshall decide to participate in more 'grown-up' activities as their wedding approaches, and organise a cheese and wine evening. Meanwhile, Ted and Barney check out the dubious delights of the club scene with the help of their friend Robin. US comedy, starring Josh Radnor

  Next on: Monday 7th December 1:00am EST - Lifetime
• Season 1 Episode 4: Return of the Shirt

  Ted finds a shirt he hasn't worn in years, which brings back memories and gives him a new perspective on his search for love. Barney offers Robin money to say the word 'nipple' during a news bulletin - but ends up putting her job on the line. Comedy, starring Josh Radnor

• Season 1 Episode 3: Sweet Taste of Liberty

  Barney decides he needs a little more excitement in his life, so Ted agrees to join him on a trip to Philadelphia. However, their big night out culminates in a brush with the law. US sitcom, starring Josh Radnor and Neil Patrick Harris

• Season 1 Episode 2: The Purple Giraffe

  Ted is wary of coming on too strong with Robin, so casually invites her to a party - meaning he then has to organise one. However, his plans don't amuse Marshall, who has an essay to write over the weekend. Sitcom, starring Josh Radnor

• Season 1 Episode 1: Pilot

  Ted is aghast to learn best friend Marshall has pipped him at the post and proposed to his girlfriend Lily. Left on the shelf, he soon meets Robin in a bar and asks for a date - but his eagerness almost scares her away. American comedy, starring Josh Radnor and Alyson Hannigan