There’s a dark undercurrent in television history: beloved shows that fumble the landing with a finale that leaves fans feeling betrayed. “Seinfeld,” “Lost,” and “Game of Thrones” are all cautionary tales.
However, for fans of “How I Met Your Mother,” the sting of the series finale might be the sharpest. The twist ending and character resolutions left many scratching their heads. Thankfully, there’s an alternate ending that delivers the closure fans craved.
Despite strong ratings, a hilarious cast, and engaging storylines, “How I Met Your Mother’s” ending is widely considered one of the worst in TV history. This stems from the audience feeling misled.
For nine seasons, Ted Mosby hinted at a grand romance, only to have the “mother,” Tracy McConnell (Cristin Milioti), die off-screen. To top it off, the show seemingly regressed Barney Stinson’s character development and shoehorned Ted back with Robin Scherbatsky, a pairing many fans felt wouldn’t last.
Fans were understandably upset. The budding romance between Ted and Tracy, meticulously built over nine seasons, vanished. One of the show’s most beloved characters was abruptly killed off, and the show desperately tried to convince us that Ted and Robin, a couple whose incompatibility had been a running theme, were destined to be together.
Barney’s arc also left viewers frustrated. He transformed from a self-serving chauvinist to a more caring and selfless individual, culminating in his marriage to Robin. However, the finale undid this progress, implying he hadn’t truly changed. This ultimately led to their divorce, rendering Robin and Barney’s entire storyline seemingly pointless.
Luckily, there’s a balm for these wounds: an alternate ending released on the show’s DVD box set. It’s a simpler affair, but it delivers on the promises the show made for nine seasons.
The Alternate Ending Plot
The alternate ending doesn’t introduce new scenes, but rather rearranges existing ones and alters the voiceover narration. In the original ending, a scene depicts the gang at MacLaren’s Pub, with Lily praising Ted’s perseverance in finding love.
However, the alternate ending omits the reveal of Barney and Robin’s divorce, leaving their happily ever after intact. Instead of Tracy’s death and Ted’s longing for Robin, Bob Saget’s narration focuses on Ted’s love for Tracy. The final scene is the one fans expected all along: Ted and Tracy meeting at the train station.
“How I Met Your Mother” occasionally explored deeper themes, but it truly shined in its comedic moments and lighthearted romances. The alternate ending, with its focus on established couples staying together, feels far more satisfying than the original.
For many fans, it’s become their preferred conclusion, a world where the characters they invested in got the happiness they deserved. The alternate ending, once a DVD exclusive, is now available on YouTube, allowing fans to revisit the show with a more fulfilling closure.