No matter how much ambition producers pour into a new project, they can never truly predict when a show will strike a chord with viewers and transform into a popular cultural phenomenon. In the case of ‘How I Met Your Mother‘ (2005-2014), all the ingredients for a massive hit were clearly there: a brilliant premise, genuine chemistry between the cast, and a refreshing storytelling structure that balanced comedy and tear-jerking moments.
But despite the show’s obvious potential, Neil Patrick Harris wasn’t entirely sold during his audition for the iconic and hilarious Barney Stinson. While multiple things didn’t appeal to the actor, one major factor convinced him the show would crash right after the pilot.
Neil Patrick Harris On The Show’s “Terrible” Title
Despite the popular sitcom’s catchy name, which makes for a perfect phrase now, Harris used to count himself among those who thought that the title was “terrible.” In a 2022 interview with GQ, the actor didn’t hold back while sharing his first impression of the show.
“I got an audition for this show called ‘How I Met Your Mother,’ which I thought was a terrible title, when you have ‘Friends‘ and ‘Three’s Company,’ you know, something that looks good on a cap…And I thought it would just be up to [the] pilot and would never go, because of the title.”
“Who names a show How I Met Your Mother? There’s not even any rhyming to it. Like, a bunch of basic words put together as a sentence. It’s not a title. But I digress,” Harris added.
In the same interview, Harris explained that the charactarization of Barney changed due to his carefree attitude during the audition. “I read the part, and it was to play someone who was rotund, cigar-smoking, Jack Black [kind of character], and I thought…’I’m not going to get this job.'”
However, it turned out that being so flamboyant, theatrical and energetic in his approach to the role ultimately became the key to his success. One may argue that some aspect of the show didn’t age well, like Barney’s casual harassment and misogynistic attitude towards women. But nobody doubts its title anymore.
The show walked a risky tightrope: being funny without crossing the line. Yet, it stood among the top sitcoms for nine long years. But it wasn’t all smooth sailing. In Patrick Harris’ own words, the show survived the harsh early seasons because of one belief existing across the cast and crew.
Patrick Revealed What Drove The Show’s Massive Success
Premiered on September 19, 2005, ‘How I Met Your Mother’ follows hopeless romantic Ted Mosby, played by Josh Radnor. He narrates to his kids the multi-year journey exploring the dating scene in New York City with his friends before finally meeting their mother.
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Only genuine fans know that the show’s storyline runs way deeper than this two-line synopsis. And it’s no wonder the show ran successfully from 2005 to 2014. But guess what? Our favorite sitcom was not secure from the beginning.
In a two-part episode of the How We Made Your Mother podcast released earlier this year, hosts Radnor and co-creator Craig Thomas talked to Harris about the show and its enduring legacy. “We never felt secure,” Harris said of the show’s cast and crew.
“We thought we might get canceled all the time. That hunger kept everyone sharp—writers, actors, everyone. We weren’t coasting.” Later in the conversation, the actor also admitted feeling “insecure” playing the role of Barney.
“I was needy and insecure as an actor back then. I never finished a scene thinking, ‘Mic drop, nailed it.’ I was always asking, ‘You think that’s good? Pam, are you happy? Do you want to do it again?’ That insecurity absolutely played into the bravado.”
Barney is known for his confident and arrogant attitude. But Harris thought the character was rather sensitive inside, which made him resonte with him. “I’ve always felt Barney was kind of broken. He wore armor. The suit was armor. He hid sincerity and vulnerability behind bravado because that’s how he survived.”
It is interesting that this production, which Harris has criticized for its clumsy phrasing, now stands tall among the top sitcoms in modern television. Translating his insecurities as an artist into his onscreen persona, Harris created Barney with a unique depth of personality that still makes people smile.
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