The Most Disliked Episode of How I Met Your Mother According to IMDb
Craig Thomas and Carter Bays created the beloved CBS sitcom “How I Met Your Mother,” which aired for nine seasons from 2005 to 2014. This series gained such immense popularity that it even inspired a spin-off. However, with over 200 episodes, not every installment can be a hit. Fans agree that some episodes fall flat, but which one takes the title of the absolute worst based on IMDb ratings?
The answer is somewhat complicated, primarily due to the series finale, titled “Last Forever,” which is divided into two parts. The second part, aptly named “Part Two,” holds the unfortunate record for the series’ lowest IMDb score of 5.5. The first part does slightly better with a 6.6, but that still doesn’t escape the harsh judgments of devoted viewers.
So, what is it about “Last Forever: Part Two” that left a sour taste in fans’ mouths? Aside from its dismal rating, this finale seemingly disregards the show’s lengthy narrative arc, all for the sake of sticking to a decade-old plan devised by the creators. Let’s take a step back. In the second season finale, Bays and Thomas dropped a bombshell that the mother, portrayed by Cristin Milioti in the final season, dies, allowing Ted to reunite with Robin Scherbatzky, played by Cobie Smulders, who is essentially their “aunt.” This twist raises eyebrows, especially considering Robin’s character—a driven career woman—would supposedly choose Ted, a detail-oriented coin collector, over her own ambitions. Moreover, the entirety of the ninth season revolves around Robin’s wedding to Ted’s close friend Barney Stinson, portrayed by Neil Patrick Harris, making the finale’s conclusion feel even more frustrating.
As for other poorly received episodes, longtime fans will notice a trend: many of these underperformers hail from the controversial ninth season, often regarded as the series’ weakest link. The second-worst episode, “Bedtime Stories,” ranked at 5.8, features a pre-“Hamilton” Lin-Manuel Miranda but opts for a rhymed format that feels more like filler than a true contribution to the series. Following closely is “Slapsgiving 3: Slappointment in Slapmarra,” which earned a rating of 6.0 and features cringeworthy portrayals of Asian cinema by the predominantly white cast, making it embarrassingly tone-deaf.
Fourth place goes to “Mom and Dad,” with a score of 6.6, primarily for its awkward subplot involving Barney and his brother James trying to sort out their mother’s love life amidst chaotic antics. Finally, there’s “Last Forever: Part One,” where viewers watch Robin and Barney backtrack on their nuptials despite an entire season dedicated to their wedding preparations.
While “How I Met Your Mother” has its standout moments, it’s clear that some episodes miss the mark completely. The series, despite its ups and downs, is currently available for streaming on Hulu.
