How I Met Your Mother is undoubtedly one of the most famous sitcoms out there, and it's also home to one of the most iconic and highly-debated love triangles. And even beyond Ted, Robin, and Barney, there's a lot of romance and relationships to be had.
That being said, not every date of Robin or Lily's, or even the main guys themselves, have always shown the best romantic gestures or potential. Of all the men that have come and gone from this popular series, it's time to decide who would actually make the best romantic partner.
Least: Hammond Druthers
Hammond Druthers may have only been in a few episodes, but it's hard to forget Bryan Cranston's hilarious and terrifying portrayal of Ted's selfish, arrogant, and uptight boss. He doesn't have very many great qualities, and even Lily tries to teach him a lesson about bullying.
While he's clearly a bit mean, he also has a really short temper. As far as anyone is concerned, those aren't the best traits when looking for a ive and genuine partner. He's kind of a scary man.
Gary Blauman
Gary Blauman only has a few appearances, but no one will ever forget him. Hilariously played by Taran Killam (the real-life husband of Cobie Smulders), Blauman is an employee at GNB, and has an affair with Barney's brother, James.
Other than that, he's obnoxious, childish, and has a lot of anger issues. He's also a bit of a bully who constantly makes fun of Marshall and makes up lies. He shows up at Barney and Robin's wedding, and everyone's disapproval points to a bad guy.
Sandy Rivers
Robin has let everyone know that she greatly despises working with Sandy Rivers (Alexis Denisof). Despite his handsome looks and irable charisma, Sandy really only cares about himself.
He's ambitious, for sure, but Sandy is willing to cross anyone to get ahead, and he's so confident that it definitely comes across as annoying arrogance. For someone so self-absorbed, he'd make a terrible romantic partner.
Mickey Aldrin
This character is actually one of the most recurring males, and Mickey (Chris Elliott) is Lily's evasive and carefree father. Lily definitely has a problem with her father, but Mickey does step up as a grandfather.
He can be a bit off-putting and selfish, but Mickey does have a good heart for the most part. He wouldn't be the best partner there is, but fans can be convinced that they could do worse.
Scooter
Scooter (David Burtka) is Lily's old high-school flame, and things didn't end totally amicably when Lily abandoned the relationship. However, when they meet again later in life, Scooter had definitely calmed down, and he's certainly sensitive.
Of course, Scooter deserves a bit of credit for being loyal and romantic, but fans aren't convinced he'd be the best choice, given that he is a bit overbearing and, well, a bit of a stalker.
Barney Stinson
Barney Stinson (Neil Patrick Harris) is the womanizer of the show - and it's pretty hard for any fan to really set that aside. Sure, he proves himself in a couple relationships, and there are a LOT of fans that still choose Barney and Robin over Ted and Robin.
Still, Barney isn't exactly the perfect choice when it comes to romantic partners. He's certainly selfish, materialistic, childish, and lacks the ability to be serious or vulnerable. He has his moments, but he's far from boyfriend of the year.
James Stinson
Other than the fact that fans know James (Wayne Brady) had an affair while he was in a serious relationship, he has a lot of great qualities. It's hard to look past his infidelity, but James has a good heart and is mature and sophisticated.
He also knows how to have fun, but he mainly just lives a pretty chill life. He's handsome and charming, and James is far from a bad choice when it comes to choosing a partner.
Kevin Venkataraghavan
Robin has a fairly serious relationship with this character, and fans get to know Kevin (Kal Penn) as an easy-going, charming, and intelligent man. He's ive and romantic, and he's actually quite the catch.
Of course, Kevin also has his own problems, and might not have been ready to have a serious relationship. Still, this character is one of the best choices for romance that this series offers.
Ted Mosby
There's a lot of debate over Ted Mosby (Josh Radnor), and fans are on the fence if he's a great boyfriend or not. However, it is hard to deny that Ted isn't totally romantic. He cares deeply about everyone around him, and he'd certainly be a loyal and ive partner.
Ted is also ambitious, intelligent, and kind, and he'd be willing to do anything for the one he loves. As far as the male characters of this show go, fans could do a LOT worse than Ted Mosby.
Most: Marshall Eriksen
There probably isn't a doubt in any fan's mind that the best romantic partner on this show is Marshall Eriksen (Jason Segel). Marshall is ive and caring, and he is probably as loyal as they come.
He's also adorably selfless and totally hilarious, and still has a lot of ambition and care for greater things. Lily is one lucky gal, and the charming and sweet Marshall is definitely the best when it comes to romantic potential.