The sitcom's eighth series finds Ted (Josh Radnor) still struggling with his romantic life as he gives things another try with Victoria (Ashley Williams) and, later, a challenging woman named Jeanette (Abby Elliott). Meanwhile, Barney (Neil Patrick Harris) makes one last epic play for Robin (Cobie Smulders), and they get engaged. Marshall (Jason Segel) and Lily (Alyson Hannigan) adjust to life as new parents, and Lily pursues a new career opportunity as an art consultant. The big story, though, is still Ted's journey as he moves closer to the show's endgame, in which he will finally meet his future wife. In fact, viewers get their first glimpse of the mother (played by Cristin Milioti) at the tail end of the series.

First aired: 2012-09-24