10 Shows Like How I Met Your Mother (2005)

Description: Like 'How I Met Your Mother', 'Friends' is a sitcom centered around a tight-knit group of friends navigating life, love, and careers in a big city. Both shows feature a mix of humor, heartfelt moments, and episodic storytelling with ongoing romantic arcs. The ensemble casts and their chemistry are key to both series' success.

Fact: The show was originally titled 'Insomnia Cafe'. The iconic fountain in the opening credits was not part of the original plan; the crew happened upon it while scouting locations. The famous 'Pivot' scene was almost cut for time but became one of the most memorable moments.

Description: 'That '70s Show' and 'How I Met Your Mother' both focus on a group of friends navigating life and love, with a mix of humor and heartfelt moments. Both shows use flashbacks and ongoing romantic arcs, and feature strong ensemble casts. The nostalgic tone of 'That '70s Show' is different, but the focus on relationships is similar.

Fact: The show was originally titled 'The Kids Are Alright'. The iconic 'circle' scenes were inspired by the creators' own experiences hanging out in basements. Ashton Kutcher was discovered while working as a model in a mall.

Description: 'Scrubs' shares with 'How I Met Your Mother' a blend of comedy and drama, with a focus on friendships and romantic relationships. Both shows use creative storytelling techniques, such as flashbacks and fantasy sequences. The emotional depth and humor in both series are balanced to create a unique tone.

Fact: The show's creator, Bill Lawrence, based many of the stories on his wife's experiences as a nurse. The janitor character was originally only supposed to appear in one episode but became a series regular. The show's theme song, 'Superman' by Lazlo Bane, was chosen because it was the only one that fit the show's tone.

Description: Similar to 'How I Met Your Mother', 'The Big Bang Theory' blends humor with themes of friendship and romantic relationships. Both shows use a mix of episodic and serialized storytelling, with a focus on the characters' personal and professional lives. The witty dialogue and nerdy references in both shows appeal to a similar audience.

Fact: The show's theme song was written and performed by the Barenaked Ladies. Jim Parsons, who plays Sheldon, has a background in theater and didn't expect the show to be a hit. The apartment numbers in the show (4A and 4B) are a nod to the 'Friends' apartments (5 and 20).

Description: 'Parks and Recreation' and 'How I Met Your Mother' both feature ensemble casts with strong friendships and romantic subplots. Both shows use a mix of humor and heart, with a focus on character growth over time. The mockumentary style of 'Parks and Rec' is different, but the emphasis on relationships is similar.

Fact: The show was originally conceived as a spin-off of 'The Office'. Chris Pratt was cast as Andy after the producers saw his audition tape for another role. The character of Ron Swanson was inspired by a real-life Libertarian government official.

Description: 'Community' and 'How I Met Your Mother' both feature a group of friends navigating life together, with a mix of humor and heartfelt moments. Both shows use creative storytelling techniques, such as flashbacks and genre parodies. The strong ensemble casts and their chemistry are central to both series.

Fact: The show was originally pitched as 'a group of misfits at a community college'. The character of Abed was inspired by the show's creator, Dan Harmon. The famous 'paintball' episodes were inspired by action movies and were some of the most expensive episodes to produce.

Description: 'Cougar Town' shares with 'How I Met Your Mother' a focus on friendships and romantic relationships, with a mix of humor and heartfelt moments. Both shows feature ensemble casts with strong chemistry and a balance of episodic and serialized storytelling. The quirky characters and their dynamics are central to both series.

Fact: The show's title was initially misleading, as it quickly shifted focus from dating to friendships. The cast often drank real wine during filming, which led to some improvised scenes. The show was created by Bill Lawrence, who also created 'Scrubs'.

Description: 'Happy Endings' is similar to 'How I Met Your Mother' in its focus on a group of friends and their romantic relationships. Both shows feature fast-paced, joke-heavy dialogue and a mix of humor and heart. The ensemble casts and their dynamics are key to both series' appeal.

Fact: The show was originally titled 'Happy Endings'. The cast had such great chemistry that they often improvised lines, which were sometimes kept in the final cut. The show was canceled after three seasons but has since gained a cult following.

Description: 'New Girl' shares with 'How I Met Your Mother' a focus on a group of friends living together and their romantic entanglements. Both shows feature a mix of humor and heartfelt moments, with a strong emphasis on character development. The quirky, lovable characters and their dynamics are central to both series.

Fact: Zooey Deschanel was pregnant during the second season, which was written into the show. The loft set was designed to look like a real, lived-in space, with personal touches added by the cast. The show's original title was 'Chicks and Dicks'.

Description: While 'Brooklyn Nine-Nine' is set in a police precinct, it shares with 'How I Met Your Mother' a focus on workplace friendships and romantic relationships. Both shows balance humor with emotional depth, and feature ensemble casts with strong chemistry. The fast-paced, joke-heavy dialogue is a hallmark of both series.

Fact: The show was canceled by Fox after five seasons but was revived by NBC due to fan outcry. Andy Samberg, who plays Jake, is also a producer on the show. The cast often improvises lines, especially during the 'cool guy' walk scenes.