On Wednesday, CBS announced that it had officially ordered the ninth and final season of its hit sitcom, 'How I Met Your Mother.' The network also announced that viewers will finally meet the "Mother" the show is based on.
In a statement released by CBS Entertainment, network President Nina Tassler said, "Through eight years, 'How I Met Your Mother' has mastered the art of leading-edge comedy, emotional water-cooler moments and pop culture catch phrases." The show's series regulars-Josh Radnor, Jason Segel, Cobie Smulders, Neil Patrick Harris and Alyson Hannigan-are schedule to reprise their beloved characters.
According to CBS, series creators Carter Bays and Craig Thomas will also return for the ninth and final season. "We are excited for Carter, Craig, Pam Fryman and this amazing cast to tell the final chapter and reveal television's most mysterious mother to some of TV's most passionate fans," Tassler said.
Dana Walden and Gary Newman, Chairmen of 20th Century Fox Television, added, "We're thrilled to have the entire and incredibly talented 'How I Met Your Mother cast back for one final season to bring the series to a proper close. Carter Bays and Craig Thomas are masterful and hilarious storytellers, and we have no doubt that they will guide one of the greatest comedies of the last decade to a gratifying conclusion when they finally reveal the identity of the Mother."
Back in September, Bays and Thomas told reporters they were treating the premiere episode of season eight as "the first episode of the last season of 'How I Met Your Mother.'" Thomas added, "I don't feel like we altered it because of not knowing if it's the end. We're writing this season like it's the end. We'll have a Plan A and a Plan B going, and we're approaching the moment where those plans diverge."
Bays also told TV Line, "If this is the last season...it's everything we ever dreamed of and more. Eight seasons is great. That being said, do we have a ninth season in us? Absolutely."
'How I Met Your Mother' airs on Mondays at 8 p.m. EST on CBS.