Loving ‘How I Met Your Mother’

“How I Met Your Mother” isn’t “Friends,” but some storylines might’ve worked just as well if they were used in the old sitcom. The dynamic is a little similar, in that a number of disparate friends get into romantic or career milestones (or mishaps), and themes of the week often get explored well in each episode. It’s not “Friends” for a younger generation, but a large part of it is about getting by with a little help from one’s friends.

Characters like romantic Ted (Josh Radnor), lothario Barney (Neil Patrick Harris), longtime lovers Lily and Marshall (Alyson Hannigan and Jason Segel) and practical Robin (Cobie Smulders) regularly hang out in a bar, mainly because they’re bored with coffee places. Ted, Barney and Robin explore the dating scene, while Lily and Marshall experience the ups and downs of staying together.

As the show progresses, plenty of opportunities are creatively tapped for expounding on the five characters. Flashbacks help define them; the show’s title refers to future Ted’s long, unending recollection of events leading to his momentous meeting with the mother of his kids. His narration (voiced by Bob Saget) is a device that helps hold together narrative jumps, and almost always shares wisdom as the folly-filled stories unfold. These tales are often touching, insightful and, yes, funny. The writing has steadily improved, guest stars are used wisely, and the main characters are people you’ll understand well and root for.

As for the titular “Mother” character, she has yet to make a real appearance; the shows’ creators are probably saving the big reveal for its final season. In the meantime, Ted and company’s connected tales are about the pursuit of happiness and contentment, and the lessons learned along the way.