Television Review: How I Met Your Mother
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What Parents Should Know
Parents need to know that the level of mature content in
this show is similar to that of
Friends
. Much of the show's humor revolves around sex and
relationships; there's lots of flirting and some hook ups --
slick, egotistical bachelor Barney constantly schemes to meet
women for sex. A lot of the action takes place at a
neighborhood pub, and characters are often shown drinking,
sometimes to the point of drunkenness. Expect language like
"damn," "bitch," and "ass" as well.
Families can talk about relationships. Are Ted's wants and
beliefs realistic? How does Ted's attitude toward women
contrast that of Barney's? Teens and parents might also want to
talk about sitcoms in general -- why are there so few these
days? Are they more entertaining than reality TV shows?
HOW I MET YOUR MOTHER bills itself as a "romance in reverse." Each episode of the sitcom opens and closes in the year 2025 with future Ted (voiced by Bob Saget) telling his children the story of how he met their mother (hence the title). His tale begins with present Ted's ( Josh Radnor) best friend and roommate, Marshall ( Jason Segel), proposing to long-term girlfriend, Lily ( Alyson Hannigan). Feeling the pressure to settle down, Ted embarks on a journey to find the love of his life, even as slick bachelor Barney ( Neil Patrick Harris) attempts to convince him that being single is where it's at.
Overall, How I Met Your Mother (CBS's attempt at replacing Friends) is light and entertaining. The idea is a bit gimmicky, but the cast has great chemistry. Harris (aka Doogie Howser, M.D.), in an obvious attempt to shake his former Doogie self, does a fine job of playing a shark-like ladies' man. Hannigan ( Buffy the Vampire Slayer , American Pie ) and Segel ( Knocked Up , Freaks and Geeks) are funny and believable as lovey-dovey Lily and Marshall. With the biggest role and the least experience, Radnor is the program's weakest link -- though even Ted has really started hitting his stride these days.
How I Met Your Mother contains frequent sexual references that might make parents uncomfortable viewing it with their kids. Parents can use Friends as a good meter for its level of appropriateness for their teens.
FriendsThat '70s Show
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