Plot Synopsis

The series is narrated through flashbacks in the year 2030 as Ted Mosby tells his children how he met the love of his life. The story begins in 2005 when Ted's two best friends, Marshall and Lily, announce their plans to marry each other. At this point Ted realizes he should start searching for his true love before it's too late, and the womanizing Barney acts as his wingman. Ted dates Victoria and then Robin, but each time it looks like the relationship might go to the next level, something happens to sabotage it. And then there's that yellow umbrella. It belongs to the mother and appears often enough to provide hints and clues about her identity, but it sometimes gives a false trail -- like when Stella accepts Ted's proposal, only to leave him at the altar.