How I Met Your Mother: 10 Best Characters Who Appeared After Season One

Dr. Stella Zinman is a controversial figure throughout the HIMYM fanbase. First appearing in Season 3 when she removes Ted’s accidental butterfly tramp stamp, Stella and Ted date for a while before he proposes to her in the Season 3 finale. Ted and Stella remain engaged for the first part of Season 4, until she leaves him at the altar for Tony, her ex-boyfriend and father of her daughter Lucy.

Because fans hate Stella so passionately for what she did to Ted, it’s easy to forget that the two were great together while they lasted. Stella was the first character that felt like she could be the Mother. If not for Tony, Ted ending up with Stella would have been a satisfying ending to the series.

Plus, every time Stella appears after the break up, it’s hilarious. The Wedding Bride episode, which follows a film based on their relationship but Ted is the villain, is one of the best episodes in the series. Stella is also indirectly responsible for Ted's teaching job, which leads to some funny situations and ultimately to his meeting the mother.

Stella’s impact on How I Met Your Mother is undeniable, and the story could not have been told without her.