Starring in a sitcom can be both a blessing and a curse for an actor since, while the fanbase will always them, the actors can be typecast in the role. In the case of How I Met Your Mother, we’ve seen something of this sort happen to the cast.
And yet, you’ll be surprised to know the actors have branched out considerably away from the show. The cast has been featured in films and other TV series, and it’s worth checking these out to appreciate their talent. That said, here are 10 such pieces of media you’ll find the How I Met Your Mother actors in, so check them out and schedule your next binge-watch.
Neil Patrick Harris - A Series Of Unfortunate Events (2017-2019)
The misadventures of the Baudelaire children are detailed as they are placed under the care of their abusive relative Count Olaf. This man, who has only the fortune of the children in mind, tries whatever he can to claim it for himself.
Considered to be the most versatile actor in the main cast, Neil Patrick Harris is unrecognizable in this villainous role. You won’t find any bro-mantic moments here, as Count Olaf is as dastardly as they come. It’s a truly remarkable change from the Barney Stinson we know the actor as.
Wayne Brady - Whose Line Is It Anyway? (1998-Present)
Those relatively unaware of Wayne Brady, who played the recurring character of Barney’s brother James, were surprised to see his natural knack for comedy. Well, you haven’t seen even a fraction of it yet, as Whose Line Is It Anyway? is a riot where you see the incredible improvisational skills of the actor.
Along with equally superb comedians, Brady and the bunch (no pun intended) use a number of props, scripts, and their own blend of comedy to make any content out to be hilarious.
Alyson Hannigan - Date Movie (2006)
A lonesome boy and girl happen to meet and fall in love, starting a long wedding process that is riddled with ridiculous problems. As their problems come to a head, it seems dating really isn’t easy at all.
Back when we had one spoof movie coming out after another, Date Movie happened to be one of the funnier ones. While it’s all kind of stupid, it does have a charming turn by Alyson Hannigan, whose chemistry with her leading man makes even this parody film a heartwarming one.
Cristin Milioti - A To Z (2014-2015)
The love story of two people unlucky in love plays out all the way from their first meeting to their happily ever after. With nothing left out, this really is a romance that we get to see from A to Z with all its twists and turns.
The Mother was easily the best character on the show, but had an unfortunately short tenure. While A to Z also lasted a single season, we did get everything from Cristin Milioti who brought the same level of likable energy to this role. As a similarly formatted show to How I Met Your Mother, this one should make fans feel right at home.
Jason Segel - Jeff, Who Lives At Home (2011)
Jeff is an unemployed slacker who lives with his mother and stays home in his introverted lifestyle. Over the course of a day, though, Jeff, his brother, and his mother all have separate adventures that put things into clear perspective.
A sweetly made dramedy, this film is a slice of life that teaches the viewer not to judge people on face value. Its short span of time is perfect to accustom you with the characters, and a wonderful performance by Jason Segel completes the experience.
David Henrie - Wizards Of Waverly Place (2007-2012)
A trio of siblings vie to become the only one to retain their magical powers when the time comes for it. Before that fated moment, though, the three engage in their own mischievous adventures as their parents try to conceal their status as wizards.
David Henrie will simultaneously be known as Ted’s son and as Justin Russo for older and younger audiences, respectively. While he remained as a teenager on How I Met Your Mother for nine years, you get to see him grow up on this show where the laughs are frequent and the magic is charming.
Lyndsey Fonseca - Nikita (2010-2013)
An assassin is betrayed by the same organization that trained her. Now looking for vengeance, she returns with a team of her own, while uncovering a larger plot the deeper she goes in her quest for revenge.
Those who think of Lyndsy Fonseca as a teenage girl because of How I Met Your Mother will see her in an entirely new light on Nikita. In this show, she played an assassin with a tortured past, who’s the protege of the main protagonist and helps her take down the evil organisation.
Bob Saget - Full House (1987-1995)
Danny Tanner has his best friend and brother-in-law move in with him after he realizes that taking care of three girls is in no way an easy task. Although they’ve lost their mother, the girls have enough love to receive by all three men who make every effort to raise them well.
The man behind the voice of Future Ted Mosby, Bob Saget is seen in the flesh as a father in Full House, where he played the most wholesome dad on TV. Once you’re done with this family comedy, you’ll never be able to separate Future Ted from Danny Tanner ever again.
Cobie Smulders - Results (2015)
A man, who happens to fall upon an inheritance that makes him a millionaire, befriends a gym instructor while having an eye on his ex-girlfriend. This strange dynamic sets the stage for each character to evaluate what they want in life, while confronting their feelings.
Cobie Smulders was done wrong in the latest Spider-Man film, where she didn’t have as much to contribute, but fans will be glad she gets most of the screentime in Results. In this indie romantic comedy, there’s a lot of laughs along with a lot of heart involved.
Josh Radner - Hunters (2020-Present)
In an alternate history, a band of troublemakers team up to hunt down Nazis who remain at large in the 1970s. As they pursue these criminals, the group is horrified to realize that they’ve uncovered an enormous conspiracy that’s been hidden for decades.
Josh Radnor might have been stuck with the “Classic Schmosby” tag for most of his career, but Hunters has proven to be the game-changer for the actor, what with his against-type portrayal of a Nazi hunter. Being a master of disguises, his character brings much of the entertainment value on the show.