20 More TV Shows That Are Practically Flawless

16. How I Met Your Mother

Succession TV
CBS

I mentioned in the introduction that I'd be taking a swing at some divisive shows in need of a reappraisal, and How I Met Your Mother - the winding, epic, frustrating, romantic story of how Ted Mosby changed through years of heartbreak and met his future wife - is one such show.

For its first few years, the inventive, time-bending sitcom was the pinnacle of the what the form had to offer, at once subversive and funny in an odd but relatable way. It lost itself toward the end, but even in its worst moments remained willing to take risks, hurt its characters, and challenge audience understanding of their drama.

From the ups-and-downs of Barney's over-the-top womanising to Ted's search for the One, How I Met Your Mother tackled love, death, and friendship in a very moving, often hilarious way, and its poor finale and messy last season can't take away from how great and comforting it was at its best.

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Aidan Whatman hasn't written a bio just yet, but if they had... it would appear here.