The Epic Journey of Ted & Robin: Unveiling the 19 Most Unforgettable Episodes

Summary

Robin and Ted's relationship in How I Met Your Mother was filled with ups and downs, but they always supported each other.

After experiencing an awkward first date and Ted's memorable act of stealing a blue French horn, the pair shared many momentous occasions together. Even though they eventually broke up and Ted got married to Tracy, his pursuit of Robin recommenced following Tracy's passing.

From 2005 to 2014, the popular sitcom "How I Met Your Mother" aired for a nine-season run, showcasing the creation of several remarkable couples, including Robin and Ted. Despite their fluctuating relationship, Ted (played by Josh Radnor) and Robin (played by Cobie Smulders) experienced both highs and lows throughout the show, whether as friends or as a couple. Over the course of those nine seasons, Robin and Ted shared countless pivotal moments, such as attending various weddings, funerals, and holidays, consistently keeping the other characters on their toes within the cast of How I Met Your Mother.

Interestingly, Ted and Robin frequently pursued romantic relationships with other individuals during the times they were not together. Specifically, Robin's involvement with Barney (played by Neil Patrick Harris) caused some tension between her and Ted. Nevertheless, they always supported one another, even if it required setting their personal feelings aside. The journey of Robin and Ted's relationship is intricate and nuanced, but certain episodes remain particularly memorable for this couple within the framework of one of the most exceptional TV shows of its time.

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19 "Pilot" (Season 1, Episode 1)

The initial encounter between Ted and Robin occurs in the pilot episode of How I Met Your Mother. Despite a successful first date, the night concludes on an awkward note. After Ted's attempt to kiss Robin fails, he impulsively returns to the restaurant they had just left and takes a decorative blue French horn as a token of his affection for her. However, the evening takes a sudden turn when Ted unexpectedly confesses his love to Robin, despite their brief acquaintance.

18 "Purple Giraffe" (Season 1, Episode 2)

Despite a disastrous initial date, Robin and Ted shared their first kiss mere moments later. In an attempt for them to naturally cross paths, Ted organized a party, only to be devastated when Robin couldn't make it. Despite hosting parties consecutively for three nights, Robin finally arrives, long after everyone has departed. Confessing that he threw the parties for her, Ted and Robin share a kiss. However, they ultimately opt for a friendship instead.

17 "Come On" (Season 1, Episode 22)

In the final episodes of How I Met Your Mother season 1, Ted finds himself unable to suppress his feelings for Robin. Determined to prevent her from leaving the city for a work trip with Sandy Rivers (Alexis Denisof), Ted enlists the assistance of a Native American studies Doctoral student to perform a rain dance in hopes of causing the trip to be cancelled. Remarkably, their efforts are met with success as the rain pours down, ultimately leading Ted and Robin to conclude season 1 as a couple.

16 "Stuff" (Season 2, Episode 16)

As the second season of How I Met Your Mother unfolds, Robin and Ted's relationship blossoms, leading them to delve deeper into each other's lives. However, Robin starts feeling envious when she realizes that many of Ted's belongings have ties to his past relationships. In response, Ted discovers that Robin's dogs also originated from her previous romances and urges her to find a new home for them. Demonstrating her dedication to Ted, Robin decides to bid farewell to her beloved dogs, relocating them from her cramped city apartment to a sprawling countryside farm where they will reside with her Aunt.

15 "Moving Day" (Season 2, Episode 18)

In the episode "Moving Day," Robin and Ted make an attempt to move in together, but encounter unforeseen complications. When Ted retrieves his stolen items from Barney, he discovers that Robin is hesitant about allowing him to unpack. Robin suggests that Ted utilize the downstairs storage, unaware of her own habits as a smoker and gun owner. Despite the challenges they have faced, Ted realizes that living together with Robin may not be the best decision after all.

14 "Something Blue" (Season 2, Episode 22)

Ted and Robin revisit the restaurant that holds sentimental value to them. Interestingly, Ted becomes the target of the owner's accusations of pilfering a blue French horn. Meanwhile, a nerve-wracking moment arises when a drink arrives at their table, containing an engagement ring. Robin mistakenly assumes that Ted is about to propose, only to discover it is intended for another couple. Remarkably, the proposal scene was not fictional - the actors playing the other couple actually became engaged on the set of How I Met Your Mother.

Subsequent to these incidents, Ted and Robin make the difficult decision to end their romantic relationship. Surprisingly, their breakup remains hidden until Lily and Marshall's wedding. Noticing unusual behavior from Robin and Ted, Barney mistakenly jumps to the conclusion that Robin is pregnant. Despite their attempts to navigate their breakup privately, they choose to withhold the truth from Lily and Marshall to avoid overshadowing their special day. However, they do confide in Barney at the conclusion of the wedding festivities.

13 "Wait For It" (Season 3, Episode 1)

After Lily and Marshall's wedding, Robin heads to Argentina to confront the aftermath of her breakup with Ted. Surprisingly, she returns to New York accompanied by the attractive Gael (Enrique Iglesias), leaving her ex-boyfriend taken aback. Feeling threatened by Gael's presence, Ted employs various tactics to undermine him. However, the remaining members of the gang are captivated by Gael's charm. Despite this, Robin assures Ted, prompting him to finally bid farewell to his 'breakup beard'.

12 "Slapsgiving" (Season 3, Episode 9)

Lily and Marshall's first Thanksgiving as a married couple is cause for celebration amongst the gang. However, things take an unexpected turn when Robin and Ted find themselves rekindling their romantic connection. As the tension rises, their anxiety reaches new heights as Robin's new boyfriend prepares to join them for the holiday feast. Despite the discomfort, Ted seizes the moment to make lighthearted jabs at Bob's (Orson Bean and Eben Ham) age, much to Robin's chagrin. Surprisingly, amidst the awkwardness, their resilient friendship begins to mend, bringing a sense of relief to all involved.

11 "Shelter Island" (Season 4, Episode 5)

The pair's friendship remains strong throughout seasons 3 and 4, giving the impression that it will continue that way. However, everything changes when Ted's wedding to Stella (Sarah Chalke) approaches. Ted is taken by surprise when Robin returns from her new job in Japan to attend the wedding, despite him thinking she wouldn't be able to make it.

As the wedding draws near, Stella becomes anxious about having their exes present. Ted tries to reassure her that there is nothing between him and Robin, even offering to talk to Tony (Jason Jones), Stella's ex and the father of her child, about not attending the ceremony. Meanwhile, Robin comes to the realization that she can't stay because of her lingering feelings for Ted. As she leaves on the ferry, she witnesses Stella and Tony together, having abandoned Ted at the altar.

10 "Benefits" (Season 4, Episode 12)

After Stella abandons Ted at the altar, he and Robin resume their physical relationship. They quickly discover that sleeping together prevents them from arguing as roommates, but it triggers a jealous rage in Barney when he learns about their arrangement from Marshall. However, this jealousy is short-lived, as Ted realizes that Robin has romantic feelings for Barney. Despite his own feelings for Robin, Ted decides to end their friends-with-benefits situation out of respect for both her and Barney.

9 "Twin Beds" (Season 5, Episode 21)

As Robin's relationship with Don (Ben Koldyke) progresses, she comes to the realization that she cannot continue having Ted and Barney in her life. Wanting to create a harmonious dynamic with Don, Robin communicates to her former partners that she needs to distance herself from them. Both men react childishly, expressing anger towards her decision, and engage in an argument over who loves Robin more. Despite initially finding it challenging, Robin remains confident in her choice and eagerly anticipates a potential future with Don.

8 "Doppelgangers" (Season 5, Episode 24)

Robin is devastated after Don ends their relationship in order to take the job she had previously rejected, a job she turned down to be with him. Meanwhile, with the influence of Lily and Marshall, Ted decides to change his appearance by dyeing his hair blonde. Unbeknownst to him, Robin unexpectedly moves back in with Ted. When Ted returns home heartbroken, he offers comfort to Robin, and their emotions almost lead to a kiss. However, the moment is interrupted when Ted's hat falls off, exposing his poorly bleached hair, causing Robin to burst into laughter.

7 "Symphony of Illumination" (Season 7, Episode 12)

In season 7 of How I Met Your Mother, Robin learns of her infertility after mistakenly thinking she was expecting Barney's baby. Although she never desired to become a parent, she is taken aback by this revelation, realizing that she would be unable to conceive if she were to change her mind in the future. Keeping this news to herself, Robin avoids confiding in a pregnant Lily, but Ted senses her distress. Without prying into her personal struggles, Ted arranges a stunning Christmas light display in their apartment, creating a touching and heartfelt moment between the two of them.

6 "No Pressure" (Season 7, Episode 17)

Ted once again offers comfort to Robin after her breakup with Kevin (Kal Penn), completely unaware that her decision is influenced by her infertility. In a heartfelt moment, Ted bravely confesses his feelings to Robin, despite the fact that this has become a recurring scenario. Unfortunately, Robin is unable to give him an immediate response as she must abruptly depart on a work trip. Upon her return, Robin gently lets Ted know that they should not rekindle their relationship, believing it to be for the best. Following their exchange, Ted experiences a newfound sense of liberation, finally accepting that a future with Robin is highly unlikely.

5 "The Final Page - Part Two" (Season 8, Episode 12)

After enduring episodes filled with jealousy over Barney's fake relationship with Patrice (played by Ellen D. Williams), Ted discovers that Barney intends to propose to Robin's colleague. Despite Ted's enduring love for Robin, he decides to inform her about Barney's plan, allowing her the chance to intervene if she desires. On their way to the grand unveiling of Ted's new building, Ted drops Robin off with Barney, suppressing his emotions upon learning about Barney's intentions to propose to Robin.

4 "Something Old" (Season 8, Episode 12)

Ted assists Robin in finding a locket she had buried in Central Park during her childhood, with the intention of wearing it for her wedding. When Barney is unable to help Robin search in the park, Ted disregards an important meeting and the two experience a powerful moment in the pouring rain. However, it is later revealed that Ted had possession of the locket at one point, prompting him to reach out to his former romantic partners in an attempt to locate it. In the ninth season of How I Met Your Mother, Ted eventually finds the locket and decides to give it to Barney, thereby eliminating any doubts that he and Robin may have had about their upcoming marriage.

3 "Last Time in New York" (Season 9, Episode 3)

Before Robin and Barney's wedding, Lily discovers Ted's intention to relocate to Chicago. This news devastates her, especially since she and Marshall also plan to leave New York after the wedding. Lily struggles to accept Ted's decision, even though he gives his blessing to Robin and Barney. Ted explains that he cannot stay in the city and witness their relationship, and he needs a fresh start elsewhere. It isn't until "Last Forever - Part One" that we learn Ted abandoned his plans to move after meeting his future wife at the train station following the wedding.

2 "Sunrise" (Season 9, Episode 17)

On the morning of Barney and Robin's wedding, Ted and Robin embark on a search for a missing and intoxicated Barney. Despite their unsuccessful attempts to locate him, the pair find themselves seated on the beach, engaging in profound introspection about their past while witnessing the majestic sunrise. While categorizing their former partners based on their experiences, Ted confesses to Robin that she will forever hold the number one spot in his heart. Although tempted to make one final attempt to win her over, Ted metaphorically envisions Robin ascending into the sky, signifying his readiness to let her go and embrace the upcoming day.

1 "Last Forever - Part Two" (Season 9, Episode 24)

In the How I Met Your Mother finale, it was revealed that after their wedding, Barney and Robin got divorced. On the other hand, Ted and Tracy, who had two children together, were about to tie the knot. However, the final moments of the last episode took a surprising turn when Ted revealed to his children that Tracy had passed away. At the insistence of his kids, Ted decides to reignite his relationship with Robin and they end up together again when he shows up at her home with a blue French horn.