Charlie Garner – Contributing Writer

avg6206@psu.edu

It is no secret that “Friends” and “How I Met Your Mother” are seen as pretty similar to each other, in terms of character personalities, certain plot devices, etc., but they are fundamentally different shows, despite the similarities. “How I Met Your Mother” started airing less than a year after “Friends” wrapped, so it was difficult to see “How I Met Your Mother” outside of that shadow for many audiences. Although Friends has won more awards and has a more popular following, “How I Met Your Mother” is a much better show for a multitude of reasons. 

“How I Met Your Mother” is an American sitcom that ran on CBS from 2005 to 2014. The series revolves around a man in the year 2030 telling his children the story of how he met their mother- hence, the title- in very grave detail. It follows the adventures of its adored characters as they look for love and fulfillment in their chaotic lives in New York City. 

In terms of storytelling, “How I Met Your Mother” is far more imaginative. Many gags are based on faulty narration, a non-linear narrative, or several perspectives in the show, while “Friends” is more straightforward with their storytelling and narrative devices.

Many fans argue that “How I Met Your Mother” had a much more engaging premise when comparing what the show achieved better than Friends. Since both series focus on groups of friends hanging out and making jokes, “How I Met Your Mother” stands out due to its unique and intriguing concept.

Some aspects that really make “How I Met Your Mother” the show it is, are the long-running jokes and running gags that are incorporated throughout the show. The creators use inside jokes and season call-backs to give viewers the impression that the characters are hanging out with them. Some of the most popular and consistent in-show running gags include: the slap bet, Robin Sparkles, Barney’s rules, especially from The Playbook or The Bro Code, musical numbers, and many, many more. 

The framing device of the show being a story told years into the future makes most of the show basically a huge flashback and, with this framing device, it allows for flash forwards. “How I Met Your Mother” uses flashbacks and flash forwards to deeply develop the characters more than just seeing them in the present time. 

Most importantly, “How I Met Your Mother” keeps you on your toes as you eagerly wait to find out who the titular “mother” actually is, and you do not find out for nine seasons the answer to that mystery. It could be frustrating to the viewer, but it is ultra satisfying to watch all of the questions get answered and have everything wrapped up nicely with a bow… maybe not the finale, but we will not talk about that.