How We Met NPH [with Neil Patrick Harris] | S2E20 ”Showdown”

2026-03-16

Download

Josh and Craig are joined by Neil Patrick Harris to revisit How I Met Your Mother Season 2’s “Showdown,” the episode where Barney appears on The Price Is Right believing that host Bob Barker might be his father. Neil reflects on the lasting cultural impact of Barney Stinson, the freedom the show’s unusual hybrid format gave actors to experiment with comedy, and the physical-comedy influences—from Buster Keaton to Cirque du Soleil—that shaped his performance. The conversation dives into Barney’s mix of bravado and vulnerability, how the writers gradually revealed the emotional core beneath the suit, and why the character’s deep loyalty to his friends often drove the story more than his playboy antics. They also share memories of filming on the real Price Is Right set, discuss how the show’s early “on the bubble” years kept everyone creatively hungry, and explore the idea that the heightened moments of the series may represent Ted’s exaggerated memories rather than literal reality. And we end on HWMYM’s first… cliffhanger!

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