How I Met Your Mother returns to CBS on 20th September. Alan Sepinwall has posted a lengthy transcript of a conversation with show creators Carter Bays and Craig Thomas which looks back at some of season five’s missteps, and ahead to what we can expect in season six (hint: probably not the identity of the Mother).

As Sepinwall states in his introduction, spoilers for S6 are vague but read ahead at your own risk.

“HIMYM creators promise a return to emotion and romance.”

If you were watching the Superbowl last night, you will have seen Barney Stinson inviting you to call him. If you called the number during the Superbowl, you’ll have heard Neil’s voice and this recorded message:

“That, Lebron, is how you shoot a free throw. Hey, Barney Stinson speaking. A recording? No, this is really me! Anyway, glad you called ’cause you sound really special. Let’s get to know each other. What are your hobbies? Oh my god, I like that too! Wow, I’m really feeling a connection here. You know, I never do this but what the heck. Let’s meet up at MacLaren’s Bar at oh, say, 3:45 a.m. on Monday, Oct. 12, 2016. I can’t wait to meet you. I love you.”

It has been pointed out by a few people that there are some inaccuracies in the message – Lebron James & free throw is a basketball term, and Monday October 12th 2016 is a Wednesday. Based on Barney’s previous history – his “dear resident” letter from Ted Mosby, Architect for one – I’d say both of these things are on purpose, and I’d guess it’s not the first time Barney has used this message! Expect a reference to this in tonight’s last new episode of HIMYM before the Winter Olympics. ETA: People have mentioned that everybody who called got a different random date. So it was probably incorrect on purpose because it was randomized.

You can listen to a recording of the message here.

Now for the news roundup I promised:

• Michael Ausiello from Entertainment Weekly reports that CBS has signed off on Neil’s guest appearance on FOX’s Glee. The only remaining hurdle is making sure that it can fit into Neil’s already hectic schedule!
• Popeater is reporting that Neil is being lined up to star in a new revival of “Barnum” on Broadway. Neil has talked many times about his interest in that role, though he has stated that he’s still too young for it. This new report reveals that Neil is the producer’s “only choice” – what isn’t clear, however, is the timescale in question. It’s likely this won’t be taking place imminently, but simply that whenever it does, Neil is a shoe-in for the part.
• The Superbowl is on CBS this year (this coming Sunday, Feb 7) and there’s some HIMYM related cross-promotion happening on Twitter. Craig and Carter go into a little more detail in this interview from the time of the 100th episode promotion.
• The Best and the Brightest, which Neil shot this summer, is now on Twitter and you can become a fan on Facebook. They’re calling it a “social media explosion” and they’ve been posting pictures and holding contests so far, so check them out!

Finally, there’s a lot of talk in the media that Neil should replace Simon Cowell as a full time judge on American Idol when he leaves at the end of this season. His guest stint was loved by the critics, but what do you think about him taking on the role full time? I think that without Simon, and knowing that Neil is good friends with both Ellen and Kara, there might not be enough differences of opinion to keep it interesting. And that’s before you even think about working it into his schedule, especially now with the news that HIMYM has been renewed for season 6.

The Hollywood Reporter confirms that CBS has officially picked up How I Met Your Mother for a sixth season, hot on the heels of Craig & Carter signing a 3 year development deal with 20th Century Fox.

Zap2it have posted up an interview & video from the 100th episode event at the Paley Center last week, discussing Neil’s HIMYM directing gig.

Neil directs the 101st episode, “Jenkins”, which airs tonight on CBS at 8/7c.

Neil directs the January 18th episode of HIMYM, which guest stars Amanda Peet.

Really, what can’t you do in the entertainment industry?
Give me something to try to do and I’ll see what I can make of it. It’s a great business. I’m a huge fan of the process of it

Read more.

The HIMYM cast have filmed a newly released PSA for the TJ Martell Foundation, one of the world’s primary funders of innovative, early stage cancer and AIDS research that leads to practical, effective treatments in the near term.

To donate $5 for the fight against cancer, text TJ to 90999. The one-time donation will be added to your monthly phone bill.

“Nothing Suits Me Like A Suit”, the musical number from HIMYM’s 100th episode, is available to purchase on iTunes ahead of the episode’s premiere this coming Monday. It’s available internationallyas well as in the US – this link is to the UK store, where the song costs £0.79 – and has a 2 minute 50 second runtime.

Also newly available is an official audio copy of the Commentary! The Musical soundtrack. It too is available internationally on iTunes and as an MP3 download from Amazon.co.uk and Amazon.com.

We’ve added a selection of photos from the 100th episode celebration held at the Paley Centre on Thursday night to our gallery, and you can watch the cast being introduced in this YouTube video.

The cast have been hitting the promotional circuit ahead of the landmark episode, and there are various behind-the-scenes clips and interviews around, in addition to the Entertainment Tonight video we linked earlier this week. The following articles all contain some spoilers for the “Girls vs Suits”: ChicagoNow has a short interview which includes the first 40 seconds of the musical number, TVOvermind have internationally viewable versions of all the CBS behind-the scenes videos, Zap2it talk to Neil and the rest of the cast, as do IGN.

Eonline’s Kristin Dos Santos caught up with Neil and the rest of the cast at the Paley event, while The Futon Critic and The TV Addict both provide fantastic recaps.

Finally, Neil will join Snoop Dog and Niecy Nash in stopping by the Wanda Sykes show tonight, at 11/10c on Fox.

ET Online have put up a nice piece on Monday’s 100th episode, including a video clip which interviews Neil and the rest of the cast.

“Barney Stinson has shagged many a type of Betty … many different professions and varieties, but he has never shagged a hot bartender,” Neil tells ET. “He has to sleep with her. She, in turn, refuses to date guys who wear suits, from a past relationship. And, so, he takes it upon himself to have to choose between her or suits.”

The musical tribute is part of the celebration of the 100th episode of the CBS series, which also guest stars Rachel Bilson and Tim Gunn, playing himself.

Don’t forget that you can catch Neil on Jimmy Kimmel tonight at 12.05am/11.05pm central, and the People’s Choice awards air tonight on CBS from 9/8c. Neil, Alyson and the show are all nominated.

Entertainment Weekly have been talking to the cast prior to the 100th episode, which airs next Monday, January 11th, at 8/7c on CBS. Neil, Cobie, Josh, Jason and Alyson reveal their top 10 moments from the last four and a half years in this slideshow.

Neil is also honoured in TVSquad’s Best Comedic Actors of the 00s list.

The AfterElton poll is still going, and the names supporting Neil and John keep coming in. It’s now going crazy with a Twitter hashtag of #biggaybattle, and you can also use #votenph to show your support for Neil. But remember to keep it friendly – Neil himself weighed in earlier to try and keep things fun.

“Strange. Feels like this is turning adversarial. Know that I’m a fan of JB and if he wins this poll, I’ll happily stand right behind him…”