How We Made Your Mother

Josh and Craig return after the three-month Writers Guild strike to revisit “No Tomorrow,” reflecting on the frantic challenge of producing the back half of Season 3 and why this episode serves as a turning point for Ted. They discuss Ted’s attempt to embrace Barney’s carefree philosophy, the importance of consequences, and how Marshall’s heartfelt intervention reminds Ted—and t...

Josh and Craig revisit “The Platinum Rule,” one of the series’ most structurally ambitious episodes, while sharing the remarkable behind-the-scenes story of how it became the only How I Met Your Mother episode produced during the 2007 Writers Guild strike. They reflect on the unusual experience of shooting without writers on set, discuss the episode’s intricate “flashback within...

Josh and Craig revisit “The Yips,” candidly reflecting on why they consider it one of the weaker episodes of the series while pulling back the curtain on the realities of making network television. They discuss how a corporate mandate to feature the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show shaped the story, why Barney’s crisis of confidence still offers an interesting glimpse into his pas...

Josh and Craig revisit “Slapsgiving,” one of the series’ most beloved episodes, beginning with the latest—and perhaps fiercest yet—chapter in the battle between producer Alek Lev and his childhood best friend Joel over who truly invented the legendary “Major General” salute. (Alek did. He can say that now because he’s writing these show notes.) From there, they celebrate Matt Ku...

Josh and Craig revisit “Spoiler Alert” (Season 3, Episode 8), breaking down the episode’s central idea: how one pointed-out flaw can permanently change the way you see someone. They discuss the ethics of telling friends uncomfortable truths, the surprisingly philosophical themes of love and acceptance, and how the episode’s two mysteries—Kathy’s endless talking and Marshall’s fo...