During quarantine, fans are getting to enjoy some of their favorite shows from the past. High up on that list is 'How I Met Your Mother'. Of course, fans would love additional episodes of the show, however, a reboot doesn't seem likely. According to Neil Patrick Harris, he's content with how the show played out, "I really just look back on that chapter with great fondness. I just don't feel like there's anything left to do, really. I miss the players within it. I miss the writing staff and Pam Fryman, who directed all of those shows. It was fun to get to play with the same actors every week, but right now I'm knee-deep in Snicket and those are some bony knees."
Neil took great pride in the show and in fact, he wasn't a fan of cameos, even if it was by someone as popular as Britney Spears. He explained why.
"Viewership Is Not Our Game"
Ultimately, he didn't feel as though the show needed any cameos and on the contrary, he felt as though celebs making appearances would hurt the story. He also didn't want to turn into a series like Will & Grace, "I’m in the minority that our show does not need stunt casting in order to succeed. I worry that if they start ‘Will and Grace'-ing us too much, that the show will suffer. And we’re all really proud of the content of the show. I mean, viewership is not our game. It’s the network and the studio’s game, you know. It’s the promotion department’s game."
Going up against 'Dancing with the Stars' was another big reason for Britney's much-needed cameo. Despite Harris' feelings, her appearance bolstered the viewership to an extra million! Without a doubt, it was a great call.
Britney's Team Called
Interestingly enough, it was Spears' team that called executive producer Carter Bays with interest, "The pop stars camp approached the show, we had no illusions about what the stakes were. And if it was classic stunt casting, like, ‘Oh, my tour bus broke down outside’ and I just go, ‘Wow, Britney Spears, what are you doing here?’ then, like, we’re just flying over that shark real fast. It was a great character and I think she played it well. ... I’m glad that we didn’t sensationalize the character in any way.”
As the Los Angeles Times noted, it was an excellent decision. Not only did it spark the ratings to record highs but it also became a memorable episode. The show loved her cameo and was open to another in the future. We have no doubt, that Neil Patrick Harris felt differently once it was all done with.
Sources: Los Angeles Times & Cinema Blend