WatchTree Recommendations
What to Watch After How I Met Your Mother
From New Friends to Chosen Families: Four Shows Every HIMYM Fan Must Watch
If you love the laugh‑filled, love‑seeking adventures of How I Met Your Mother, you’ll find a perfect quartet of shows to satisfy every mood. From the newly minted Mid‑Century Modern, to the critically praised Looking, the timeless classic Friends, and the revived Will & Grace, each series captures a distinct facet of the friendship‑and‑romance formula that made HIMYM a cultural touchstone.
Together they map a spectrum: Mid‑Century Modern brings a fresh, senior‑focused spin on chosen family; Looking offers a nuanced, LGBTQ‑centered narrative that deepens the emotional stakes; Friends provides the original sitcom blueprint that defined the genre; and Will & Grace delivers a beloved, witty revival that celebrates gay camaraderie. Whether you’re craving new laughs, heartfelt drama, or nostalgic comfort, this curated mix ensures every fan of How I Met Your Mother can find a show that feels both familiar and excitingly new.
Why these shows are similar to How I Met Your Mother
A father recounts to his children - through a series of flashbacks - the journey he and his four best friends took leading up to him meeting their mother.
These recommendations branch out from How I Met Your Mother with similar tone, themes, genre elements, or audience appeal.
Mid-Century Modern
TV • 2025
comedy
Why Watch Next
Mid-Century Modern offers a contemporary spin on the buddy‑house dynamic, echoing HIMYM's ensemble antics while exploring chosen family in a stylish Palm Springs setting.
Overview
Three best friends — gay gentlemen of a certain age – decide after an unexpected death to spend their golden years living together in Palm Springs where the wealthiest one lives with his mother. As a chosen family, they prove that no matter how hard things get, there’s always someone around to remind you it would be better if you got your neck done.
Looking
TV • 2014
comedy • drama
Why Watch Next
Looking delivers the same blend of humor and earnest romance as HIMYM, but with a more intimate, character‑driven approach that resonated strongly with audiences.
Overview
Three friends in San Francisco who explore the fun and sometimes overwhelming options available to a new generation of gay men.
Friends
TV • 1994
comedy
Why Watch Next
Friends remains the archetype of the modern sitcom, providing the classic laugh‑track chemistry and romantic misadventures that HIMYM built upon.
Overview
Six young people from New York City, on their own and struggling to survive in the real world, find the companionship, comfort and support they get from each other to be the perfect antidote to the pressures of life.
Will & Grace
TV • 2017
comedy
Why Watch Next
Will & Grace matches HIMYM’s witty ensemble and LGBTQ representation, offering a beloved reboot that blends nostalgia with fresh jokes.
Overview
That’s right, honey! A decade after their unforgettable eight-season run, comedy’s most fabulous foursome is back.
More shows and movies featuring actors from How I Met Your Mother
Looking for familiar faces? These picks include performers connected to How I Met Your Mother.
Hunters
TV • 2020
Why It’s Relevant
Hunters offers a witty, ensemble-driven narrative with a strong New York setting, echoing the camaraderie and urban humor fans enjoyed in How I Met Your Mother.
A Series of Unfortunate Events
TV • 2017
Why It’s Relevant
This witty, offbeat series blends comedy with mystery and a quirky tone that echoes the humor and ensemble dynamics of How I Met Your Mother.
Centaurworld
TV • 2021
Why It’s Relevant
Centaurworld’s playful, character‑centric storytelling and upbeat tone provide a light‑hearted, adventurous feel that complements the comedic spirit of How I Met Your Mother.
