'How I Met Your Mother': John Lithgow to play Barney's father

Call it “How I Met My Father.” John Lithgow will guest star as Barney's (Neil Patrick Harris) father in an upcoming episode of “How I Met Your Mother,” CBS confirms.

Lithgow will appear in an episode airing around the end of February. Barney made the decision that he was ready to meet his father in an episode earlier this month. While it's not the fantasy casting of “Mad Men's” John Slattery that Showtracker discussed with executive producer Craig Thomas last October, the former “3rd Rock From the Sun” star's comedy chops should fit right in on “HIMYM.” He also had quite the killer streak on "Dexter," which caused “HIMYM” co-star Cobie Smulders to joke about being terrified of Lithgow on TV Guide Network's “Hollywood 411.”

“It's really exciting and different for our show,” she said. “He's such a pioneer."

It's been a big week for Barney. Earlier this week, he also got a new love interest.

Readers, are you pleased with the casting of Lithgow as Barney's father?

— Vlada Gelman (follow my TV musings on Twitter at @stayingin)

Photo: John Lithgow on “Dexter.” Credit: Randy Tepper / Showtime

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Comments

[Shelly]

That would be dumb to cast John Slattery as his father anyway. He's only 11 years older than Neil Patrick Harris. John Lithgow is a better fit.

[Todd]

I hope they do something interesting with this character other then making him exactly like Barney.

It would be very funny to write him as being a preacher or someone who advocates marriage.

[Jdub]

Should have been Drew Carey since Barney's mom always told him it was Bob Barker. Also they could bring Wayne Brady in for instant chemistry on set.

[tarylelizabeth]

I think John Slattery would have been a good choice. He too looks dashing in a suit...and I'd totally believe it. They would have to play the angel that he's aged well or something.
But I could not be more excited about John Lithgow playing his dad!!!!He's going to be soo great

[Sneltekenaar ReMMeZ]

It's the perfect fit. It was John or Kelsie [Grammer]. Frasier or D!ck. I'd go for D!ck. Fantastique

[Kate]

I watched the episode last night with Barney's "Dad" and in it I could have sworn the "Dad" mentions that Barney has a brother and a sister. The brother was the only one he met at dinner. Does this mean his sister is going to be much older than the little brother? If so, I think it would be great if she is in her late 20's and could be "the one" for Ted.