The cast member of How I Met Your Mother are known for much more than working together on the show. And while the five central actors have yet to get together for a HIMYM reunion, fans still see the relationship between them as nothing less than friendly if not outright loving.
Before and after the series' run, Jason Segel, Alyson Hannigan, Cobie Smulders, Josh Radnor, and Neil Patrick Harris worked extensively on other projects. Including movies and television series alike, the How I Met Your Mother cast has made its mark throughout show business for decades.
Neil Patrick Harris, Malin Akerman & Kal Penn - Harold & Kumar Go To White Castle (2004)
Neil Patrick Harris' performance as an extremely fictionalized version of himself in Harold & Kumar Go to White Castle became an instant classic. So classic, in fact, that he would go on to appear in both Harold & Kumar Escape from Guantanamo Bay and A Very Harold & Kumar Christmas (having survived death in the universe of the franchise).
The plot follows lifelong friends Harold and Kumar (HIMYM recurring star Kal Penn) as they travel farther than they ever intended to get the perfect snack for the munchies: some White Castle burgers. They run into many speedbumps along the way, including Freakshow (Christopher Meloni) his beautiful wife (HIMYM guest star Malin Akerman) and, of course, an unhined NPH.
Neil Patrick Harris, Alyson Hannigan & Alexis Denisof - Robot Chicken (2005)
This long-running adult animated stop-motion sketch comedy series has featured several guest appearances by How I Met Your Mother stars. As is standard for Robot Chicken, they all play multiple characters across numerous segments.
Neil Patrick Harris has played several characters in two episodes, including Jack Sparrow and Two-Face. Alyson Hannigan also came on for two episodes, playing characters such as Brigitta von Trapp from The Sound of Music. HIMYM recurring star Alexis Denisof took part in an episode as well, playing three characters, including Planters mascot Mr. Peanut.
Alyson Hannigan & Sarah Chalke - American Dad (2005)
American Dad is another show in which actors (both recurring and central cast) play numerous characters in any given episode. Alyson Hannigan lent her voice to two episodes between 2011 and 2013, playing both Chelsea and Ugly Stepsister No. 2.
Sarah Chalke was not a core HIMYM cast member but appeared as a guest star in 10 episodes throughout the show's run, ultimately resulting in her character getting engaged to Ted Mosby but leaving him at the altar. Chalke also starred in three episodes of American Dad.
Josh Radnor, Neil Patrick Harris & Jason Segel - Family Guy (2007-2009)
The three main male cast members of How I Met Your Mother reprised their roles (albeit briefly) in Seth MacFarlane's popular animated series, Family Guy. In line with Family Guy's best celebrity cameos, Josh Radnor and Neil Patrick Harris actually appear in two episodes. The first was "No Chris Left Behind," which follows Chris Griffin as he switches to a private school.
"Peter's Progress" featured cameo appearances from Josh Radnor, Neil Patrick Harris, and Jason Segel. This episode shows viewers how the fictional city of Quahog, Rhode Island, was founded.
Josh Radnor & Malin Akerman - Happythankyoumoreplease (2010)
The same year Malin Akerman guest-starred on How I Met Your Mother, she and Josh Radnor starred in the ensemble piece Happythankyoumoreplease. The narrative doesn't follow the two of them exclusively, but their plotline is a major part of the film.
Happythankyoumoreplease follows six New Yorkers as they struggle with love and impending adulthood. Radnor plays Sam, a short-story writer whose career is struggling to take off. Akerman plays his friend, an insecure woman suffering from alopecia who has recently broken up with her boyfriend.
Cobie Smulders & Alexis Denisof - The Avengers (2012)
Both Robin and her co-host, Sandy Rivers, were featured in Marvel's The Avengers. Cobie Smulders had the bigger role in The Avengers when compared to Alexis Denisof, who portrayed Thanos' personal assistant. Maria Hill, however, has gone on to be featured in subsequent MCU films and is widely considered one of Cobie Smulders's best roles.
The plot follows the forming of The Avengers: Iron Man, The Hulk, Captain America, Hawkeye, Black Widow, and Thor. Together, and with the help of S.H.I.E.L.D. (including Smulders), The Avengers must take on the vengeful Loki and his army of alien Chitauri.
Josh Radnor & Marshall Manesh - Afternoon Delight (2013)
One of How I Met Your Mother's fan-favorite characters was always Ranjit. The gang's favored taxi driver, Ranjit Singh was featured in both the premiere and the finale. The actor, Marshall Manesh, also played a taxi driver in a Kathryn Hahn-Josh Radnor film titled Afternoon Delight.
The plot follows Rachel, a woman bored in her marriage. She and her husband befriend a young dancer at the local club in hopes of restoring a spark in their relationship.
Neil Patrick Harris & Chris Elliott - At Home With Amy Sedaris (2017)
Neil Patrick Harris portrayed himself in one episode of At Home with Amy Sedaris simply titled "Holidays." How I Met Your Mother recurring guest star Chris Elliott put in a guest appearance in an episode titled "Entertaining for Peanuts."
This Emmy-nominated comedy series featured the titular comedian as she humorously guided viewers through her cooking and crafts processes. Like Amy Sedaris' best roles, she plays it to the hilt in the most bubbly way possible.
Alyson Hannigan & Kal Penn - Fancy Nancy (2018)
Alyson Hannigan plays the protagonist's mother in this Disney Junior show, which will soon premiere its third season. She has gone on to star in 47 of the series' 50 episodes, while HIMYM recurring guest star Kal Penn has taken on a similar role here in three episodes.
The plot follows Nancy Clancy, a child who loves to wear unique and fancy clothing. The series is based on the New York Times bestsellers by Jane O'Connor and Robin Preiss Glasser.
Cobie Smulders & Taran Killam - Arrested Development (2019)
Real-life couple Cobie Smulders and Taran Killam (HIMYM recurring character Gary Blauman) starred as younger versions of George and Lucille Bluth on Netflix's revival of Arrested Development. Taking over for Kristen Wiig and Seth Rogen, Smulders and Killam have the chemistry to sell the dynamic even more.
The fifth season of Arrested Development reunites the cast (in the same room this time) for more Bluth shenanigans. Michael is still in place, holding it all together.