This week, Josh Radnor and Craig Thomas kick off the official rewatch of the PILOT episode of How I Met Your Mother! They reflect on the origin of the series, the narrative complexity of the show’s storytelling, and the way the pilot sets up the entire series—from Ted’s romantic optimism to Barney’s legendary schemes.
They also revisit memories from filming, discuss the impact of the show’s themes on fans, and answer the big question: If they could rename the first episode, what would it be?
CONNECT WITH THE SHOW:
Official Website (Send us your audio and written messages)
Substack (Join the mailing list, get announcements, and read more from Josh and Craig)
HOW YOU MAKE A DIFFERENCE:
Donate to our ongoing campaign to support congenital heart disease research
AND MORE:
Josh’s “Museletters” on Substack
Craig’s Official Website (with links to his published writing)
Alek’s “Dead Fathers Society” on Substack
THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS:
Airbnb: Your home might be worth more than you think. Find out how much at airbnb.com/host
BetterHelp: How We Made Your Mother is sponsored by BetterHelp. Give online therapy a try at https://betterhelp.com/yourmother
Mint Mobile: If you like your money, Mint Mobile is for you. Shop plans at mintmobile.com/yourmother
Advertising inquiries:
AND IN CASE IT HELPS:
03:10 Antidote to Loneliness
08:59 Character Dynamics and Relationships
15:03 The Hero's Journey of Ted Mosby
21:00 The Art of Storytelling in the Pilot
27:02 The Cinematic Quality of the Pilot
39:31 Editing and Narrative Structure
43:57 Character Development and Themes
49:22 Fan Reactions and Expectations
01:01:44 The Impact of the Show on Fans
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices