7 similarities between Friends and How I Met Your Mother, explored

Friends and How I Met Your Mother (HIMYM) are two of the most beloved sitcoms with high re-watch value. Friends debuted in 1994 and took the world of television by storm and paved the way for many more modern sitcoms in the coming years.

One such sitcom, which was heavily inspired by Friends, was HIMYM, and fans have noticed a similar vibe in both shows.

Here are seven key similarities in these beloved sitcoms.

*Disclaimer- This article is based on the author's opinion. Reader discretion is advised.*

---

7 similarities between Friends and How I Met Your Mother

1) Both the sitcoms had the same premise

After the formula of a gang of friends worked in the 90's hit sitcom, it seems like every other show was trying to recreate the magic of their predecessor.

While Friends had a gang of six friends in their early 20s trying to navigate life, romance, and career together in New York City, HIMYM also had a gang of five friends living in New York City and navigating friendships and careers.

---

2) Both sitcoms had an on-and-off couple

Everyone remembers Ross and Rachel's 'we were on a break' phase on the sitcom. They got together in Season 2 and had chemistry throughout the show but never actually stayed together. But the couple finally found their way to each other and ended up together in the finale.

Ted and Robin were Ross and Rachel's counterparts in HIMYM, who also met in the Pilot, got together in Season 2 but eventually broke up. It was shown how they had different priorities in life, which hindered their relationship like Ross and Rachel's. Ted ends up marrying Tracy (like Ross and Emily), but the couple finds a way back to each other after Tracy's death.

---

3) The stable couple in both the sitcoms

If both the shows had an on-and-off couple, there was also a couple that were deemed 'couple-goals' by the fans. Monica and Chandler were a beloved couple who started as friends and eventually became husband and wife. The couple is a fan-favourite sitcom couple for many because of their commitment, stability, and love towards each other.

Lily and Marshall from HIMYM were Monica and Chandler's counterparts as they showed stability and commitment, unlike Ted and Robin. They were the 'couple goals' couple for the sitcom.

---

4) Both the sitcoms had a designated spot for the gang

Central Perk, the coffee shop where the gang would meet every day for coffee and conversation, is one of the most iconic locations from the sitcom. The orange couch and the side chairs of the coffee shop have seen many iconic group moments on the show.

The HIMYM gang also had a reserved booth at the MacLaren's pub, which was their designated hangout spot. They would meet there regularly for key scenes and to discuss important life updates.

---

5) The womanizer in both sitcoms

Both of the sitcoms had a womanizer who would regularly have one-night stands with women and never call them again. So who comes to mind after this description? Joey from Friends and Barney from HIMYM.

The two characters are very similar, as they are both charming and have a way with women. In another universe, they would either be best friends or firm rivals. While Joey does not end up with anybody, Barney does marry Robin, but they divorce, after which she rekindles her romance with Ted in the finale.

---

6) The leads had the same sabbatical job

You might remember Ross' sandwich incident, which landed him in good trouble on the show. Not only was he suspended from his job for a few weeks, but he was also told to attend anger management classes. On his sabbatical, he took up a job as a college professor at NYU, where he taught Paleontology.

On HIMYM, Ted is an architect who works for a big Architectural firm. But he also gets fired from his job, and what did he do on his sabbatical? Like Ross, he also took a teaching job (architecture) at Columbia University, where he forgot how to spell Professor!

---

7) Both the shows worked on similar heartwarming city vibes

In addition to these character and plot similarities, both sitcoms worked on heartwarming vibes, which they created for their audience. A group of friends, trying to live together in New York City, where they are always there for each other!

No wonder both these sitcoms have high re-watch value because they were able to strike a chord with the audience and revolve around relatable themes of friendships and love.

---

For the latest scoops on your favourite TV shows and movies, follow SoapCentral.