Episode
How We Met NPH Pt. 2 [with Neil Patrick Harris] | S2E20 "Showdown"
- Podcast
- How We Made Your Mother
- Published
- Mar 23, 2026
- Duration seconds
- 2168
- Processing state
not_requested
Actions
POST https://stenobird.com/v1/public/podcasts/how-we-made-your-mother-7198017/episodes/how-we-met-nph-pt-2-with-neil-patrick-harris-s2e20-showdown/transcription-requests
Idempotently request low-priority transcript generation for this episode.GET https://stenobird.com/podcast/how-we-made-your-mother-7198017/how-we-met-nph-pt-2-with-neil-patrick-harris-s2e20-showdown.md
Read the agent-friendly Markdown representation of this episode resource.
Summary
Josh and Craig continue their conversation with Neil Patrick Harris, reflecting on their working dynamic during How I Met Your Mother and how Barney and Ted’s very different roles on the show sometimes created a strange but productive tension between the actors. They talk candidly about early insecurities, the pressure of carrying different storytelling responsibilities—Josh often delivering the emotional core while Neil chased the biggest laughs—and how that contrast ultimately helped create the chemistry that defined the show. The discussion then shifts to the Season 2 episode “Showdown,” including Barney’s obsession with The Price Is Right, Ted’s struggle to write a best-man speech for Marshall, and memorable bits like Marshall’s belief in ghosts, Lily and Marshall’s intense co-dependence, and the absurd sincerity of Barney asking Bob Barker if he’s proud of him. Along the way they swap behind-the-scenes memories—from Neil’s obsessive continuity tricks for the editors to subtle moments that planted the seeds for Barney and Robin—and reflect on how, years later, they can finally look back at the experience with perspective, affection, and a deeper understanding of what each of them was bringing to the show. CONNECT WITH THE SHOW: Official Website (Send us your audio and written messages) Instagram READ JOSH’S MUSELETTERS ON SUBSTACK: Subscribe HERE . CRAIG’S BOOK IS AVAILABLE! Head over to CRAIG’S WEBSITE to order your copy of THAT’S NOT HOW IT HAPPENED. SUPPORT PEDIATRIC CONGENITAL HEART DISEASE RESEARCH: Click HERE to learn more and donate today. FOLLOW THE OFFICE LADIES: Check out "Office Ladies" at https://officeladies.com/ or wherever you get your podcasts! Follow on Instagram: OfficeLadiesPod Follow on TikTok AND MORE: Josh’s Official Website Josh on Spotify Cr…