If you’re a fan of How I Met Your Father, then you probably know that this series is packed with callbacks, hidden references, and subtle Easter eggs that tie back to its predecessor, How I Met Your Mother.
With Season 3 officially on the way and whispers of a potential new spinoff series, fans are eager to dig deeper into the connections between both shows.
But let’s be honest—some of these Easter eggs are so well-hidden that even die-hard fans might have missed them.
From subtle nods to classic HIMYM moments to clever foreshadowing, How I Met Your Father is full of little surprises that reward longtime viewers. So, let’s take a closer look at four major Easter eggs that may have slipped under your radar.
The Blue French Horn Makes a Comeback
Remember the iconic blue French horn from How I Met Your Mother? It was the ultimate symbol of Ted and Robin’s relationship—romantic, complicated, and full of grand gestures. Well, in How I Met Your Father, this legendary piece of décor makes a sneaky appearance.
During one of Sophie’s dates, a blue French horn can be spotted in the background of a restaurant. It’s subtle, almost like a blink-and-you’ll-miss-it moment, but it’s definitely there.
Could this be a coincidence? Maybe. But given how much HIMYF loves its callbacks, it’s more likely an intentional nod to Ted’s grand romantic gestures.
Does this mean Sophie’s love story will mirror Ted and Robin’s? Not necessarily, but it’s a fun little reminder that HIMYM’s legacy is still very much alive in this new era.
The Pineapple Incident—Revisited
If you’ve ever watched How I Met Your Mother, then you probably remember one of its biggest mysteries: The Pineapple Incident. For years, fans speculated about how a pineapple ended up in Ted’s apartment after a night of drunken chaos.
The original series eventually revealed the answer in a deleted scene, but How I Met Your Father decided to keep the mystery alive.
In one episode, Valentina and Charlie wake up after a wild night out, and guess what? There’s a pineapple sitting right on their kitchen counter.
No explanation, no backstory—just a pineapple, casually sitting there, as if mocking fans who still haven’t recovered from the original mystery.
Was it just a fun Easter egg, or is there a deeper meaning behind it? That’s the beauty of HIMYF—it knows exactly how to play with nostalgia while keeping fans guessing.
MacLaren’s Pub Cameo
Ah, MacLaren’s. The bar where Ted, Marshall, Lily, Robin, and Barney spent nearly every night of their twenties. It was basically their second home.
While How I Met Your Father introduced a new go-to hangout spot—Sid’s bar—it couldn’t resist throwing in a little nod to the legendary MacLaren’s.
In one episode, Jesse mentions a “classic New York bar that’s been around forever.” The camera then cuts to a quick shot of MacLaren’s exterior, confirming that the bar still exists in the HIMYF timeline.
But here’s the real kicker—Sid’s bar actually has a few pieces of furniture that look suspiciously similar to MacLaren’s booths.
Could it be that some of the old bar’s décor was repurposed for this new spot? It’s never explicitly stated, but it’s a fun little detail that connects the two worlds.
The Return of the Yellow Umbrella
Perhaps one of the most emotional symbols from How I Met Your Mother was the yellow umbrella. It represented destiny, missed connections, and, ultimately, Ted’s journey to finding the mother of his children.
In How I Met Your Father, the yellow umbrella makes a surprise appearance—but not in the way you might expect. During a rainy scene in the city, Sophie walks past a street musician playing under a bright yellow umbrella. It’s a fleeting moment, but for fans who know the history behind that umbrella, it’s impossible to miss.
Could this be foreshadowing something major in Sophie’s story? Or is it simply a tribute to HIMYM’s most iconic love story? Either way, it’s proof that How I Met Your Father is carefully weaving its own narrative while still paying homage to the past.
Conclusion
How I Met Your Father is more than just a spiritual successor to How I Met Your Mother—it’s a love letter to fans who grew up watching the original series. Through clever Easter eggs, hidden references, and subtle connections, it keeps the legacy of HIMYM alive while forging its own unique path.
With Season 3 on the horizon and talks of a possible spinoff, there’s no doubt that more hidden gems are waiting to be discovered. So, next time you’re watching an episode, keep your eyes peeled—you never know what nostalgic surprise might pop up next.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will How I Met Your Father connect directly to How I Met Your Mother?
Yes! The show has already included several references, and more connections are expected in future episodes.
Could Ted, Barney, or Robin make a cameo in HIMYF?
It’s possible! Robin has already appeared, and with Season 3 coming, we might see more familiar faces.
What’s the deal with the pineapple in How I Met Your Father?
It’s likely a callback to the famous Pineapple Incident mystery from HIMYM. But whether it has a deeper meaning remains unknown.
Is Sid’s bar connected to MacLaren’s?
While not officially confirmed, some elements of MacLaren’s have been spotted in Sid’s bar, suggesting a possible link.
What does the yellow umbrella in HIMYF symbolize?
It could be a simple tribute to HIMYM’s biggest love story or a hint at something major in Sophie’s future.
Will there be another How I Met Your Father spinoff?
There have been rumors, but nothing is confirmed yet. With the success of HIMYF, another spinoff wouldn’t be surprising.
Why is the blue French horn in HIMYF?
It’s a nod to Ted and Robin’s love story and one of the most iconic props from HIMYM.
Is the original HIMYM timeline the same as HIMYF?
Yes, both shows exist in the same universe and share many overlapping events.
Could Barney’s legendary playbook return in HIMYF?
It’s possible! HIMYF has already referenced Barney’s antics, so the playbook might make a comeback.
Where can I watch How I Met Your Father?
The show is available on streaming platforms like Hulu and Disney+, depending on your region.