How I Met Your Mother recently ended a nine-year journey in which millions of viewers eagerly waited for Tod Mosby to finally wrap up his meandering anecdote to his kids. When it finally came to an end, the result was more than a little shocking. Now that the dust has settled on what many fans saw as a disappointing finale, it's worth taking time to reflect on the series' strong points. It's no accident that, nine seasons and 208 episodes after it first aired in 2005, How I Met Your Mother endured for such a long period of time while enjoying ratings that consistently exceeded eight million viewers per episode. Like its spiritual predecessor Friends, the show's strength lay in its focus on an incredibly engaging group of friends, while the overarching story-within-a-story framework was utilised so well that viewers often couldn't help but feel like they were part of the gang. Added to this was an ever-growing arsenal of running gags, catchphrases, and quasi-scientific musings that rang true in so many social situations for those watching at home. Many of these recurring elements inevitably involved joker-in-chief Barney Stinson, but even his more outlandish moments wouldn't have had such an impact without the group dynamic of the other four main characters. This list takes a nostalgic look back at the series' finest running jokes, ranging from major plot points to nonsensical asides. In each case, they showcase the irresistible balance between sincerity and silliness that became a hallmark of the show and kept fans coming back for more. For those of you who are starting out or currently making your way through the series, be warned that there are SPOILERS ahead. Before we move on, here are some honourable mentions: Puzzles (why would you name a bar Puzzles? That's the puzzle!) Tantrum! High Fives The Five Doppelgangers (especially Moustache Marshall) Barney's Job (Please) The Proclaimers