How I Met Your Mother is an American sitcom that premiered on CBS on September 19, 2005. It was created by Craig Thomas and Carter Bays, who also serve as the show's executive producers and frequent writers. All but 12 episodes (out of over 180) have been directed by Pamela Fryman.

Set in Manhattan, the series follows the social and romantic lives of Ted Mosby (Josh Radnor) and his friends Marshall Eriksen (Jason Segel), Robin Scherbatsky (Cobie Smulders), Lily Aldrin (Alyson Hannigan), and Barney Stinson (Neil Patrick Harris).As a framing device, the main character, Ted, using voiceover narration by Bob Saget, in the year 2030 recounts to his son and daughter the events that led to his meeting their mother.

Known for its unique structure and eccentric humor, How I Met Your Mother has been a critical success, having received positive reviews throughout most of its run and gaining a cult status over the years. The show has been nominated for 24 Emmy Awards, winning seven. In 2010, Alyson Hannigan won the People's Choice Award for Favorite TV Comedy Actress. In 2012, seven years after its premiere, the series won the People's Choice Award for Favorite Network TV Comedy, and Neil Patrick Harris won the award for Favorite TV Comedy Actor.

On December 21, 2012, CBS announced that the cast members had signed new deals with the network, increasing the chances for a ninth season. On January 30, 2013, CBS officially renewed the series for a ninth and final season.