6 moments from 'How I Met Your Mother' that wouldn't have survived cancel culture
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: 'How I Met Your Mother' is an American sitcom that revolves around the life of Ted Mosby (Josh Radnor) and his journey to finding true love.
The series begins in 2030, where Ted, voiced by Bob Saget, narrates the story to his children about how he met their mother. The narrative is set in the past, starting in 2005, when Ted is a young architect living in New York City.
'How I Met Your Mother' received critical acclaim for its writing, humor, and heartfelt moments. The show became a fan favorite largely due to its iconic lines such as 'Suit up,' 'Aren’t you tired of waiting for destiny,' 'Whenever I'm sad, I stop being sad and be awesome instead,' 'Why say goodbye to the good things?' and 'The Bro Code'.
However, the series is filled with certain moments that raise plenty of eyebrows. So, here are six of the most controversial moments from 'How I Met Your Mother' that wouldn't have survived today's cancel culture.
'How I Met Your Mother' Season 7 Episode 8: The Slutty Pumpkin Returns
Slut-shaming was a recurring issue on 'How I Met Your Mother', particularly involving the female characters. Lily Aldrin (Alyson Hannigan) and Robin Scherbatsky (Cobie Smulders) were frequently shown shaming the women Barney Stinson (Neil Patrick Harris) slept with, and Robin herself was labeled as a slut for sleeping with Barney once.
The show featured an entire episode titled 'The Slutty Pumpkin Returns', which, despite being a notable episode in the 'How I Met Your Mother' timeline, shames Katie Holmes' character, Naomi, for dressing in a pumpkin costume on Halloween.
While the title of the episode may raise eyebrows, it aligns with the show's irreverent humor and willingness to push boundaries.
However, in today's cancel culture, the recurring theme of slut-shaming in 'How I Met Your Mother' would likely face significant backlash. It would likely be viewed as insensitive and out of touch with current attitudes towards sexuality and gender equality.
'How I Met Your Mother' Season 9 Episode 14: Slapsgiving 3: Slappointment in Slapmarra
In the controversial 'Slapsgiving 3: Slappointment in Slapmarra' episode from Season 9 of 'How I Met Your Mother', the white main cast members dress up as Chinese characters to mock Chinese accents.
The episode, which parodies martial arts movies, follows Marshall (Jason Segel) as he seeks to learn the final slap technique from three masters.
The use of yellowface and stereotypical portrayals of Chinese culture sparked criticism, with many viewers and critics calling out the show for perpetuating offensive stereotypes.
No wonder in today's cancel culture, people would stop watching the show for promoting racism. The episode can be seen as culturally insensitive and inappropriate, especially given the growing awareness of racial issues in media representation.
'How I Met Your Mother' Season 3 Episode 3: Third Wheel
In 'How I Met Your Mother', Ted is generally portrayed as a character who is searching for love and a meaningful relationship. However, in Season 3, Episode 3, titled 'Third Wheel', Ted's behavior takes a different turn when he tries to win a 'golden threeway belt' with Barney and another friend.
He needed to have sex with two women to win the belt. This can be seen as objectifying and disrespectful to women, reducing them to objects of conquest rather than individuals.
This reinforces harmful stereotypes about women and contributes to a culture that normalizes the objectification of women. In today's cancel culture, this episode would likely face significant backlash for its portrayal of women and its reinforcement of harmful stereotypes.
'How I Met Your Mother' Season 3 Episode 14: The Bracket
We can't hate this episode enough. In Season 3, Episode 14, Barney creates his own set of tournament brackets to decide which of the 64 women has the most cause to hate him.
This game, known as the 'Barney's Bracket', is a tongue-in-cheek reference to the NCAA basketball tournament brackets and reflects Barney's cavalier attitude towards his past relationships.
Throughout the episode, Barney discusses his ex-girlfriends, one-night stands, and former flings, highlighting the reasons they might have disliked him. Who does that? It suggests that masculinity is tied to sexual conquests and that men should measure their worth based on their ability to seduce women and later abandon them.
And if this is not enough, creating a game centered on women he has hurt is traumatizing. Throughout the episode, Barney's friends, particularly Marshall and Lily, are shocked and appalled by the list.
'How I Met Your Mother' Season 5 Episode 14: Perfect Week
The 'Perfect Week' episode of 'How I Met Your Mother' is another example of toxic masculinity. In this episode, Barney aims to achieve the 'Perfect Week', which involves successfully picking up a different woman every night for sex for a week.
This goal objectifies women and reduces them to conquests in Barney's eyes. Throughout the episode, Barney's behavior often crosses the line between playful flirtation and predatory behavior.
His relentless pursuit of women and his disregard for their feelings and boundaries are depicted in a comedic light, but in reality, they reflect harmful attitudes toward consent and sexual agency.
'How I Met Your Mother' Season 5 Episode 8: The Playbook
In 'How I Met Your Mother' Season 5 Episode 8, titled 'The Playbook', Barney unveils his legendary playbook - a collection of strategies and techniques for picking up women. The playbook is a compilation of elaborate schemes and personas that Barney uses to manipulate and seduce women.
Barney returns to his single lifestyle after his breakup with Robin and quickly resumes his pursuit of new romantic interests. Who does that in real life? The playbook reduces women to stereotypes and targets for manipulation, rather than portraying them as equals in a potential relationship.
No woman can date a man like Barney. His use of elaborate schemes to seduce women without regard for their feelings or autonomy can be seen as promoting toxic masculinity.
How to stream 'How I Met Your Mother'?
'How I Met Your Mother' is available for streaming on Hulu in the United States.
The streaming platform offers an ad-supported plan for $7.99 per month and an ad-free plan for $17.99 per month. Yearly ad-supported plans are also available for $79.99.
'How I Met Your Mother' trailer