19 surprising things you probably didn't know about 'How I Met Your Mother'

Martha SorrenMay 7, 2020, 20:25 IST

"How I Met Your Mother" ran for nine seasons.CBS

"How I Met Your Mother" premiered in 2005 and ran for nine seasons on CBS, but even hard-core fans might not know everything about the show.
Britney Spears' guest role in 2008 helped to save the show from low ratings and an early cancellation.
If the show had been canceled after the first season, Victoria would have been the mother.
Many of the leading cast members' significant others appeared in small roles on the show.
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Over its nine seasons, "How I Met Your Mother," or "HIMYM", became a fan favorite, despite viewers' differing opinions on the series' controversial ending.

Even if you watched every single episode (and re-watched them once it hit the streaming sites) you probably didn't know these "legend — wait for it — dary" fun facts.

Here are some behind-the-scenes secrets about "How I Met Your Mother."

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There was almost a spin-off starring Greta Gerwig.

Greta Gerwig is now a successful actor and director. How I Met Your Mother screencap

The actors who played Ted's kids knew how the show was going to end for years.

All of the kids' scenes were filmed early on in the series. 20th Century Fox

Victoria would have been the mother if the show had been canceled early.

Luckily the writers were able to play out their full vision. 20th Century Fox

Some fans found out who the mother was on Facebook before they had a chance to watch the episode.

The post spoiled the plot for a lot of people. CBS

The characters' favorite bar was named after the cocreator's assistant.

McLaren's has a special significance. CBS

Most of the websites from the show are real too.

You can visit the bizarre websites mentioned on the show. Richard Cartwright/Fox

"The Bro Code" really exists.

You can buy your own copy of "The Bro Code." 20th Century Fox

Harris' love for magic was added to Barney's character.

Magic is one of Neil Patrick Harris' real-life hobbies. Monty Brinton/CBS

Hannigan wanted her daughter to play her on-screen child.

She looked too old for the role. 20th Century Fox

Both Smulders and Hannigan had to hide pregnancies during filming.

They used a variety of props to hide their bellies. 20th Century Fox

Some of the leading actors' significant others made it onto the show.

David Burtka played Lily's ex-boyfriend Scooter. CBS

Ted probably made Barney sound worse on purpose to make himself look better in the end.

Ted is telling the story to his kids, so he can stretch the truth a little. CBS screencap

Harris made it his mission to get Barney and Robin together on the show.

Neil Patrick Harris was in favor of the characters getting together. Ron P. Jaffe/Fox

A real proposal happened during the filming of the show.

A lot of viewers had no idea the proposal was real. YouTube/Tim Ru via Fox

Britney Spears saved the show from low ratings.

Britney Spears helped bring in new viewers. CBS

Jennifer Love Hewitt almost played Robin.

Jennifer Love Hewitt opted for a role on "The Ghost Whisperer." Imeh Akpanudosen/Getty Images

Jim Parsons was almost cast as Barney.

Jim Parsons played Sheldon on CBS' "The Big Bang Theory" instead. Chuck Lorre Productions

The show wasn't actually filmed in New York City.

Sometimes the NYC set was pretty convincing. 20th Century Fox

The narrator, who was supposed to be an older Ted Mosby, was voiced by Bob Saget.

There's a reason the voice of future Ted sounds so familiar. Rich Fury/Getty Images

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