How I Met Your Mother

10 Best Episodes of How I Met Your Mother - Season 2

Are you a fan of heartwarming sitcoms that make you laugh, cry, and everything in between? If so, you're probably familiar with the beloved TV show "How I Met Your Mother." This hit series, which first premiered on CBS in 2005, follows the journey of a father as he tells his children the story of how he met their mother. Through a series of flashbacks, we get to witness the adventures, mishaps, and heartfelt moments that he and his four best friends experience along the way. With 10 seasons under its belt, this show has had its fair share of memorable episodes that have left audiences wanting more.

From hilarious antics to touching moments of friendship and love, "How I Met Your Mother" has it all. With each passing season, viewers have been treated to a plethora of standout episodes that have become fan favorites. Whether it's the gang's annual Thanksgiving traditions, their epic road trips, or their hilarious attempts at finding love in the city that never sleeps, there's something for everyone to enjoy.

So, if you're ready to relive the laughter, the tears, and the unforgettable moments that "How I Met Your Mother" has to offer, join us as we dive into the best episodes of this beloved sitcom. From the pilot episode to the series finale, we'll take you on a trip down memory lane and remind you why this show has captivated audiences for over a decade. So grab a bowl of popcorn, get cozy on the couch, and let's embark on this legendary journey together.

Written by Sophie and last updated on mar 22, 2024.

PS: The following content contains spoilers!

PPS: I will admit that parts of this page was written with the help of AI - it makes my work so much easier to not start from a blank page!

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How I Met Your Mother - S2E12

#15 - First Time in New York (Season 2 - Episode 12)

Robin wants to tell Ted that she loves him, but she can't tell him. Meanwhile, her sister visits and brings her boyfriend, and Robin doesn't know how to react when her sister says she's ready to lose her virginity.

The episode was rated 7.99 from 1202 votes.

How I Met Your Mother - S2E10

#14 - Single Stamina (Season 2 - Episode 10)

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Barney's brother, James (Wayne Brady), visits and Robin, the only one in the group that has never met him, is suprised. But James has a surprise for Barney that he finds difficult to swallow.

The episode was rated 7.99 from 1226 votes.

How I Met Your Mother - S2E3

#13 - Brunch (Season 2 - Episode 3)

Ted's parents visit New York for their anniversary and he learns a family secret. Robin worries that they won't like her. Lily and Marshall try to adjust to the new format of their relationship now that they are no longer together.

The episode was rated 8.00 from 1287 votes.

How I Met Your Mother - S2E14

#12 - Monday Night Football (Season 2 - Episode 14)

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When a funeral conflicts with the Super Bowl, the gang vows to avoid hearing the score and watch it together on Monday. This proves difficult, as Marshall is threatened with the score by a boy in Lily's class, while doing the news puts Robin in danger of finding out who won.

The episode was rated 8.01 from 1169 votes.

How I Met Your Mother - S2E1

#11 - Where Were We? (Season 2 - Episode 1)

The gang tries to help Marshall get over Lily, especially when he finds a credit card bill that leads to a hotel in New York City where some of her charges are listed.

The episode was rated 8.01 from 1379 votes.

How I Met Your Mother - S2E2

#10 - The Scorpion and the Toad (Season 2 - Episode 2)

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Barney works with Marshall on his bachelor skills, which include hitting on women. Lily is back from her venture. Robin helps her look for a new apartment but gets sick of hearing about San Francisco.

The episode was rated 8.04 from 1281 votes.

How I Met Your Mother - S2E16

#9 - Stuff (Season 2 - Episode 16)

Lily gets asked to play in an off-off-off-off-broadway play, and the gang shows up to support her. Ted and Robin get hung up on what each kept from their past relationships. Barney performs his own play to prove a point to Lily.

The episode was rated 8.12 from 1195 votes.

How I Met Your Mother - S2E4

#8 - Ted Mosby, Architect (Season 2 - Episode 4)

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After Ted and Robin's first big fight, Barney tries to convince Ted that being an architect is an easy in to picking up chicks. Lily and Robin start following his trail after discovering that Ted hit it off with a girl named Anna shortly afterward.

The episode was rated 8.14 from 1283 votes.

How I Met Your Mother - S2E5

#7 - World's Greatest Couple (Season 2 - Episode 5)

Marshall tries to get used to being single in a world that is very coupled-oriented. Barney intended one-night-stand won't go away. Barney uses Lily to get out of his "horrifying" situation. Lily finds a place to stay.

The episode was rated 8.14 from 1296 votes.

How I Met Your Mother - S2E22

#6 - Something Blue (Season 2 - Episode 22)

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It's still Marshall and Lily's big wedding day but now we're at the reception. Robin tries to tell a story but keeps getting interrupted. Barney tries his hardest to figure out Ted and Robin's secret.

The episode was rated 8.21 from 1134 votes.

How I Met Your Mother - S2E21

#5 - Something Borrowed (Season 2 - Episode 21)

With everything going wrong on Lily and Marshall's wedding day, to everyone's surprise it's confirmed bachelor Barney who tries to fix it all.

The episode was rated 8.22 from 1152 votes.

How I Met Your Mother - S2E20

#4 - Showdown (Season 2 - Episode 20)

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In the "Showdown" episode of How I Met Your Mother, Barney's excitement reaches new heights when he believes Bob Barker might be his father and gets the chance to be a contestant on The Price is Right. Meanwhile, Marshall and Lily attempt to sleep apart before their wedding. At first, the storylines may seem predictable and clichΓ©, with Robin's attempts to get Lily to fit into her dress and Ted struggling to come up with a best man's speech. However, as the episode unfolds, it surprises viewers with its perfect storytelling and heartfelt moments.

The reveal that Marshall and Lily were sneaking out to be together and Ted incorporating it into his best man's speech adds depth to their relationship and showcases their closeness. On the other hand, Barney's appearance on The Price is Right is both hilarious and touching. The revelation that he believed Bob Barker was his dad adds a layer of pathos to his character, making him more relatable. Moments like Barney trying to show Bob his graduation pictures and congratulating him on his long run on the show bring him down to earth and add shading to his womanizing persona.

Overall, "Showdown" may stumble initially, but it ultimately delivers a satisfying ending that elevates the entire episode. And let's not forget, Barney once again proves why he is the real MVP of the show.

The episode was rated 8.24 from 1202 votes.

How I Met Your Mother - S2E7

#3 - Swarley (Season 2 - Episode 7)

In the How I Met Your Mother episode "Swarley," Marshall finds himself going on his first date after his breakup with Lily. Ted and Barney are quick to warn him about the girl's "crazy eyes," but that doesn't stop Lily from trying to sabotage their relationship. As the episode unfolds, we see Lily's hypocritical behavior as she meddles in Marshall's love life while conveniently forgetting her own indiscretions. While the concept of Marshall and Lily's craziness fitting together is solid, the execution of the story falls a bit flat. However, the episode is saved by an all-time great B-story involving Barney being hilariously called "Swarley."

One of the standout moments of the episode is the Norm joke at the end, which is truly priceless. The dedication to the final joke showcases the show's ability to deliver memorable comedic moments. Another comment praises the episode's commitment to the joke and reveals their love for the show Cheers. On the other hand, one viewer points out the flaws in the episode, particularly highlighting Lily's hypocritical behavior and the overall weak execution of the storyline. Despite this, they still appreciate the chemistry between Marshall and Lily during their reconciliation scene. However, the episode's saving grace is Barney's storyline as Swarley, which captures the essence of how friends playfully tease each other.

Overall, "Swarley" offers a mix of both hits and misses. While the main storyline involving Marshall and Lily's breakup lacks depth and falls short, the episode manages to shine through Barney's hilarious identity crisis. Whether you're a fan of the Norm joke or appreciate the show's ability to capture the dynamics of friendship, this episode will leave you with some memorable moments.

The episode was rated 8.24 from 1303 votes.

How I Met Your Mother - S2E19

#2 - Bachelor Party (Season 2 - Episode 19)

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In this episode of How I Met Your Mother, titled "Bachelor Party," we see the gang preparing for Marshall's big day. But as expected, things don't go quite as planned. Barney, being his usual mischievous self, decides to hire a stripper for the bachelor party, causing all sorts of chaos and raising the question of why they still hang out with him. But just when you think Barney's antics have gone too far, there's a surprising twist that reveals a deeper side to his character. His heartfelt speech and gesture to Lily not only redeem his behavior but also create a sweet moment of co-best manhood. It's a well-constructed episode that justifies the time spent on Barney's repugnant behavior and provides plenty of laughs along the way.

Meanwhile, Robin finds herself in a hilarious predicament at Lily's bridal shower. She's brought a gift that's completely out of place, and her frantic attempts to avoid being exposed as the giver of a certain item lead to increasingly absurd situations. From misunderstood psychic conversations to encounters with old ladies, children, and nuns, the stakes get higher and the laughs keep coming. What makes this storyline even more enjoyable is the resolution, where the group of older women proves to be just as open-minded and sex-positive as the younger characters. It's a comedy of errors that delivers plenty of laughs and showcases the show's knack for fun character moments.

Overall, "Bachelor Party" is a superb episode that combines the perfect mix of comedy, heartfelt moments, and unexpected twists. It's a testament to the show's ability to create well-constructed storylines and provide plenty of entertainment for its viewers. And let's not forget, Barney's antics and Robin's comedic mishaps add that extra touch of hilarity that makes this episode truly memorable. So grab some popcorn and get ready for a wild ride with the gang from How I Met Your Mother.

The episode was rated 8.25 from 1182 votes.

How I Met Your Mother - S2E9

#1 - Slap Bet (Season 2 - Episode 9)

In the "Slap Bet" episode of How I Met Your Mother, Ted and Barney have a lively discussion about their approaches to understanding women. Barney believes that the more you know, the more likely you are to discover a deal breaker, while Ted wants to know deal breakers upfront. Meanwhile, Robin refuses to go to the mall, leading to a secret that she's hiding.

This episode has it all - a mix of genuine relationship moments and hilarious antics. Ted and Robin's story gets a little exaggerated at times, with Ted being a bit of a jerk for revealing Robin's secret. However, the resolution has a sweet touch and is accompanied by a memorable pop song.

The true highlight of the episode is the Slap Bet subplot, filled with overconfidence from Barney, Marshall's emotional reactions to getting slapped, and Lily's role as the Slap Bet Commissioner. The episode leans into the idea that Robin's secret is a past career in adult films, adding to the trademark genuine-feeling games among friends that make How I Met Your Mother stand out.

This episode is a certified classic, despite the show's flaws, and it's hard not to sing along to "Let's Go to the Mall" - a fan favorite song from the series. So, let's all go to the mall today and enjoy this delightful episode!

The episode was rated 8.42 from 1402 votes.

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