A Complete List Of Shows Like How I Met Your Mother

“You can ask the universe for signs all you want, but ultimately we’ll only see what we want to see…when we’re ready to see it.” It’s one of the favorite love quotes of How I Met Your Mother fans. When this series ended after nine seasons and 208 episodes, they can no longer sit in front of the TV enjoying the new episodes with similar great excitement. However, there’re many shows like “How I Met Your Mother” to check out right now!

Why Do We Love How I Met Your Mother?

Before checking out 20 shows like How I Met Your Mother, let’s review some of its highlights that left a long-lasting impression on the audience worldwide. 

Overview of How I Met Your Mother

How I Met Your Mother is a fascinating TV show featuring funny characters in a hilarious storyline. Besides, it keeps a recurring plot in its seasons. Over time, we follow Robin, Ted, and Barney’s love triangle, the target relationship between Marshall and Lily, and their intimate friendship.

How I Met Your Mother

How I Met Your Mother – Image: Microsoft

We never forget the jokes throughout the show. For example, in episode 9, season 2 of the show, the slap bet is initially made between Barney and Marshall. Whenever Marshall sees fit, he can slap Barney many times. The audience could see this running gag during the whole show, until the last at the wedding of Barney.

Remember that Ted is telling his son and his daughter the story, so he must adjust it accordingly. Instead of telling the children that somebody held out the middle finger, Ted called it a thumb. He considers smoking marijuana as eating sandwiches and sexual activity as playing the bagpipes. These words are the most jovial elements of this show.

Why is How I Met Your Mother loved?

One of the most memorable things in the show is the reenactment of the most iconic yellow umbrella. Ted found it in an episode in a club, and he finally finds out on Barney and Robin’s wedding night that the yellow umbrella belongs to his last wife.

There’re many other exciting things about How I Met Your Mother that we cannot forget. Each episode not only makes us laugh and cry but also teaches us some valuable life lessons, from what we need to get our dream job to how to find love in our modern world.

How I Met Your Mother is set in a flashback from the future. The show is never about the mother, so the title may be a bit confusing. In fact, this show became famous worldwide, partly thanks to its hilarious characters and awkward situations that burst the audience into laughter. And from the giggles, the audience will think back to their own life, deducing their life lessons. 

There’s Ted, endlessly searching for true love, then there’s Barney, who doesn’t like this idea. The show also stars Marshall and Lily, the best couple in How I Met Your Mother, giving us a different life perspective. And we have Robin, a strangely alluring Canadian. A show with different personalities will never bore the viewers.

Lessons from How I Met Your Mother

We can learn a lot of things from the show – Image: The Indian Express

20 Best Shows like How I Met Your Mother

Now, this iconic series has ended. However, fans will not feel bored due to new alternative shows like How I Met Your Mother. We’re sure that you will engage in them from the very beginning.

1. Friends

What to watch after how I met your mother ended is the question from many fans of this show. But seriously, if you love How I Met Your Mother, then you’ll most probably find love in a very similar show – Friends. 

Firstly, Friends revolves around six individuals, including Monica, Rachel, Phoebe, Chandler, Joey, and Ross, each with different personalities and styles. Unlike other sitcoms, it does not have one main character standing out from the rest. 

Secondly, the show depicts the romantic but hilarious and entertaining adventures of a group of friends in the City of New York. Like other ordinary people out there, they have to work, go on a date, engage in a relationship, tie the knot, get divorced, etc.  

Thirdly, the show uniquely romanticizes friendship, and you start comparing characters with your group of friends. Addictive, inspiring, and endlessly funny, you will be quickly absorbed in Friends. 

Friends - alternative for How I Met Your Mother

Friends is the best TV show on earth – Image: Tribune

To sum up, with the same New York skyline, Friends is the show like How I Met Your Mother that we loved so much. Friends will offer a unique, refreshing outlook on life, and for those reasons, we recommend it.

2. That 70’s Show

Besides How I Met Your Mother vs. Friends, it’s a good idea to watch the last ’70s show filmed in the ’90s? That ‘70s Show follows the lives of six friends in the fictional town of Point Place in Wisconsin. But, Grace’s character Eric Forman remains central to the plot.

Eric Forman, his friends, and his family are all trying to deal with each other in the teenage boy’s peak years. They know what their personal growth is about in the context of family, friendship, and other relationships. We might assume that Lily, Ted, Marshall, and Robin would all understand that if they were teenagers at the time.

That 70’s Show is a light-hearted comedy featuring romance, growth, family dynamics, and the perils of being a teenager. In particular, the show’s opening track is a catchy song that you’ll like as much as the song of How I Met Your Mother. 

3. New Girl

New Girl is one of the best alternative shows for How I Met Your Mother as it’s a real spiritual successor. The series is about a lovely thirty-year-old teacher Jess, who moves in with three male roommates – Nick, Schmidt, and Winston – after discovering that her boyfriend is in bed with another woman. 

With a mixture of comedy and drama, New Girl shows us how these five characters cope with all the challenges and tribulations of their adolescence and help one another solve trivial life and love problems.

New Girl Official Trailer

New Girl also has nice romantic subplots between Jess and Nick, Cece and Schmidt. That helps this show win so many How I Met Your Mother fans’ hearts. To know more about New Girl’s unforgettable and hilarious episodes, you could read our review of The Top Funniest New Girl Episodes

4. Two And A Half Men

Two and a Half Man is one of the perfect alternatives for How I Met Your Mother. This lively comedy has been aired for twelve seasons and has a total of 262 episodes. And the two Golden Globe Award nominations go a long way as a testament to the show’s quality and original comedy style.

This sitcom revolves around two brothers, Alan and Charlie. After his divorce, Alan moved to live with his elder brother, Charlie. The two brothers had to deal with the challenge of raising the kid. While Alan tries to keep his son, Jake, away from his drunk-playboy brother, Charlie seems to like the kid.

Two and a Half Man features romance, laughter, and bonds between family members. This show is a perfect continuation for those who prefer the same kind of love affair and relationship as in How I Met Your Mother. The show might not have the magnificence of shows like How I Met Your Mother, but it will strike a long-lasting impression on you.

5. Modern Family

Although slightly different from How I Met Your Mother vs. Friends, Modern Family would still be a suitable alternative. It’s an award-winning ABC sitcom series telling the stories of a family of three generations in a suburb of Los Angeles. Specifically, it’s about interspersed stories between different couples stuck with challenges and troubles in comical ways. 

Modern Family has lots of things for the audience to enjoy. For example, you can immerse yourself in the endless combination of humor, seriousness, and excellent performances from different characters. The show also has plenty of romantic relationships between parents and several exciting subplots between their teenage children. 

This show received a lot of good reviews and praise from fans and critics. Thanks to a professional cast that offers point-on comic and unique performances, the show won the “Golden Globe Award for Best Television Series – Musical or Comedy” in 2011.

6. Sex And The City

Sex and the City is a romantic comedy-drama adapted from Candace Bushnell’s 1997 book of the same name. The series is set and filmed in New York City,  revolving around the lives of a group of four women comprising Carrie, Samantha, Charlotte, and Miranda. Three of them are in their mid-thirties, and the rest is in her forties.

The four characters have almost nothing in common. They have different personalities and lead different ever-changing sex lives. However, they still keep a close-knit relationship and confide in each other. They wish to move from one relationship to the other in the hope of finding out what love means.

Besides, the series contains several continuing storylines about modern society’s problems. They range from sexuality, promiscuity to femininity. Watching this series, the audience also better understand the differences between friendship and love.

Sex and The City

Sex and The City follows four women: Carrie, Samantha, Charlotte, and Miranda – Image: Brides

Like How I Met Your Mother vs. Friends, the show focuses on the message that your soulmates can be your friends. Sex and the City presents one of the most beautiful friendships ever aired onto the screen. Furthermore, friendship, comedy, and New York City are similar vibes emphasized in How I Met Your Mother.

7. The Big Bang Theory

What happens when a hot girl moves into an apartment across the hall where there are two intelligent but socially awkward physicists? Who knows what’s next? The Big Bang Theory will make you fascinated with these geniuses’ smart jokes, who can tell everybody the secrets of quantum physics.

The Big Bang Theory is one of the watchable shows like How I Met Your Mother. It makes us love the nerds who work at the California Institute of Technology. They like to read comic books and play video games all night instead of working like many others. Hence, the show is a beautiful combination of science and familiar daily situations. 

As the theme of this show revolves around science, many famous and prestigious scientists appeared as guests on the show, such as George Smoot, Brian Greene, Neil deGrasse Tyson, Stephen Hawking, Michael J. Massimino, and Bill Nye.

8. Chuck

Though not a sitcom, Chuck still amuses you with a diplomatic mix of comedy and drama. The show is a spy movie reputed for its pop culture references, spy adventures, awkward situations, and heart-to-heart storytelling. 

The Chuck’s episodes feature the adventures of three spies called Chuck, Sarah, and Casey. Their adventure is a combination of great emotional character arcs and quirky comedy. Also, it has a lot of moving moments and a great dose of admirable friendships. Indeed, Chuck possesses all the characteristics of a How I Met Your Mother vs Friends-like sitcom.

9. Community

Community is such a popular cult film that attracts many long-lasting devoted followers. The episodes of Community are adventures of a group of eclectic people in the Greendale Community College, a community college.

Community

Community is a smart, exuberant comedy – Image: Independent

Also, Community has an elaborate storyline with great emotional moments and excellent comedic timing. Community also portrays a wide variety of humorous characters, intimate friendships, and funny situations. Behind them is many great life lessons that the audience can draw. The show is an excellent answer to the question of what to watch after How I Met Your Mother.

10. Brooklyn Nine-Nine

Are you seeking a comedy that blends serious moments? If so, it’s highly recommended that you try Brooklyn Nine-Nine. This hilarious comedy series is about the stories of six detectives at Brooklyn’s 99th Precinct. They are fun and adorable characters.

Brooklyn Nine-Nine is the perfect pick for the question of what to watch after how I met your mother.  This is one of the most popular comedies on TV with the perfect comedy timing. The audience will feel amazed at the fantastic character arcs, close friendships, and intimate relationships. The show portrays serious relationship issues while retaining a sense of humor, tons of big laughs. More importantly, you will probably feel a hole in your heart when watching this show.

11.  Seinfeld

Seinfeld made many people love the sitcom genre, like How I Met Your Mother vs. Friend. Seinfeld revolves around Jerry Seinfeld, a stand-up comedian, and his friends, George, Elaine, and Kramer. They live together in New York City and discuss random stuff every day.

Seinfeld does not have a comprehensive plot like other sitcoms or TV shows. It’s described as “a show about nothing,” focusing on the minutiae of daily life. It also doesn’t care about continuity, character development, or romance. 

Seinfeld can be one of the most influential sitcoms of all time. It has been ranked among the best television shows in Entertainment Weekly, Rolling Stone, and TV Guide. It may not be as emotionally overwhelming as shows like How I Met Your Mother is, but it’s marked with hilarious and professionally built storylines.

12. The Last Man on Earth

What would you do if you were the last on earth? This show resolves the same question. The Last Man on Earth is a comedy about the adventure of an average guy named Phil,  who reflects humanity’s last hope after a deadly virus sweeps the world that appears to be an end to the human race.

It is a dream he always wants to come true. However, he eventually gets bored of wandering. Thus, he decides to go out in the hopes of finding other survivors. He didn’t know that his dull life is about to change forever. He discovered another woman survivor. Over the next several months, more survivors appear. Phil finds it difficult to live with other people again. 

Starring a renowned cast of Saturday Night Live, including Jason Sudeikis, Kristin Wiig, and Will Ferrell, The Last Man on Earth is filling every episode with laughs. It has emerged as one of the funniest and most unique comedies on TV. If you do not know what to watch after How I Met Your Mother, The Last Man on Earth will be another highly recommended option.

13. 2 Broke Girls

2 Broke Girls is also about friendship, like How I Met Your Mother vs. Friends. The storyline tells about Caroline, a daughter of a billionaire, who has to work at a Brooklyn diner due to many bad events. She works with Max, a hardened woman who grew up in poverty. They have different points of view on life. But they have one thing in common: they are both on the verge of being broke, and the work just doesn’t seem to pay enough. 

2 Broke Girls Trailer

The two soon became roommates and friends while pursuing their dream of one day opening a cupcake shop. Two seemingly opposite characters have a beautiful friendship.  

14. Scrubs

Another TV show like How I met your mother for you to try is Scrubs. This medical comedy-drama series, which consists of nearly 200 episodes, has been aired for nine years. It has received a lot of praise from viewers and critics. 

The series tells about the lives of staff in the imaginary world of Sacred Heart Hospital. It is presented primarily from the unique point of view of the central figure, John Dorian, played by Zach Braff during its first season. The series stars many famous actors such as Brendan Fraser, Heather Graham, Colin Farrell.

15. Single Parents

This sitcom is perfect for parents after you’ve put your kids to bed.  It tells the story of a group of adults spending time through single parenthood nurturing their children. 

Single Parents begins when the group meets a divorced man named Will. In his 30s, he focuses on raising his daughter, so he no longer knows he is a man. The other single parents cooperate to bring him into the dating world and make him realize that being a parent does not mean sacrificing everything about his own identity. The show deserves being on the top of similar shows like How I Met Your Mother.

16. Baby Daddy

Baby Daddy follows Ben, a twenty-something bachelor, who suddenly becomes a father when his one-night lover leaves his baby daughter Emma on his doorstep. Ben decides to nurture his baby girl with Danny’s help – his older brother, Riley and Tucker – his two best friends, and Bonnie – his overbearing mother. Ben works to turn his life around to feed his daughter.

Baby Daddy

Baby Daddy starred by  Jean-Luc Bilodeau – Image: TV series finale

The show was inspired by the American movie Three Men and a Baby, released in 1987. Baby Daddy may be a wise choice when you do not know what to watch after How I Met Your Mother.

17. The Goldbergs

The Goldbergs, set in Jenkintown in the 1980s, revolves around the lives of Adam’s family. The show is based on the fictionalization of Adam’s childhood, where he filmed events on a regular basis. In fact, the show features a number of these videotaped events.

In this sitcom, the patriarch Murray is played by Jeff Garlin and Mr. & Mrs. Beverly by Wendi McLendon-Covey. They have three children, the two oldest children being Erica, Barry, and the other named Adam. Beverly’s father is always there to give advice or help to his grandchildren.

The show’s episodes are built around the pop culture of the time out of chronological order. In fact, each episode of The Goldbergs serves as a reference for other films over the decade.

18. The Inbetweeners 

The Inbetweeners is a British television sitcom for teenagers.  It follows the misguided journeys of four suburban teenagers named Will, Simon, Neil, and Jay at the fictional “Rudge Park Comprehensive.”  The show involves their school life and includes their friendships, male-student customs, and adolescent sexuality. 

The Inbetweeners Official Trailer

Even though the show ran for just three seasons, ‘‘The Inbetweeners’  won many awards, including two BAFTA TV Award nominations for Best Writer and Best Male Performance in a Comedy Role, and the award for Outstanding Contribution to British Comedy at British Comedy Awards.

19. The Office

The Office is a sitcom series that depicts office workers’ daily work life in the fictional Dunder Mifflin Paper Company in Scranton, Pennsylvania. With a documentary-style, the series features a bit monotonous sound effects. However, the jokes are never overdone, making you laugh your guts out.

The sitcom is one of those shows like How I Met Your Mother that brings joy to the audience. The antics of the people working in this company with their boss, Michael Scott, are sure to make you chuckle. The well-crafted jokes, hysterical plotlines, and great acting make The Office one of the best classics comedies.

20. Master of None

Master of None is a creatively written sitcom played by Aziz Ansari. With his witty humor about everyday work and interaction with friends, you’ll enjoy the show from the first episode.

Unlike other sitcoms, this comedy-drama television series has mixed real-life aspects from Ansari’s life, bringing more depth to characters. This helps you understand more about the plot and the characters. Ansari gives us a glimpse inside himself through the show. 

Master of None

Master of None is a hilarious riff on little problems – Image: Vox

Currently, the show has only cast two seasons but has received critical acclaim worldwide. It appeared in many year-end top 10 lists and received multiple awards and nominations. For example, it has won three Emmy Awards and a Golden Globe one. 

The Final Thought

As you know, How I Met Your Mother has 12.9 million viewers and a high rating among adults, becoming the most-watched and highest-rated episode in the CBS sitcom’s history. Undoubtedly, we’re not going to quickly forget such a fantastic show that took up nine years of our lives. However, we can take a look at 20 incredible shows like How I Met Your Mother to fill the void and have lovely moments with our friends and beloved ones.

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John Hobbs

At Jobandedu, John Hobbs holds the position of senior blogger. Though Hobbs has achieved massive success as a researcher, adviser, and writer, he still had to undergo multiple trials and tribulations before finding his true calling. He considered it his life's work to assist others in discovering and developing their full potential. His broad expertise in diverse fields and specifications allows him to provide insightful, real-world advice. His writings offer in-depth guidance on finding and excelling in a career, using information gleaned from extensive study and his personal experience. Hobbs also has a creative and engaging writing style, which he uses to publish pieces wherein he discusses his interests, views, and studies.