How Ted Won the Belt [with Dave Hemingson] | S3E3 "Third Wheel"

About this episode

Josh and Craig discuss the fan-favorite episode 'Third Wheel' with guest Dave Hemmingson, exploring its comedic and emotional elements.

Josh and Craig are joined by Dave Hemmingson to revisit “Third Wheel,” the Season 3 fan-favorite where newly single Ted unexpectedly finds himself navigating the possibility of a threesome with returning guest stars Busy Philipps and Danica McKellar. Dave talks about joining the writers’ room during a pivotal moment for the series, helping launch the “free-range Ted” era after the Robin breakup, and crafting the episode’s frantic, almost real-time energy inspired by farce and physical comedy. The group digs into Barney’s surprising vulnerability, Marshall and Lily’s enthusiastic “mission control” support of Ted’s big night, the origins of the tramp stamp storyline, and whether Ted actually “won the belt.” Along the way, they reflect on why the episode still works: balancing absurd comedy, emotional honesty, and one of the weirdly sweetest stories HIMYM ever told. CONNECT WITH THE SHOW: Official Website (Send us your audio and written messages) Instagram Tiktok READ JOSH’S MUSELETTERS ON SUBSTACK: Subscribe HERE CRAIG’S BOOK IS AVAILABLE! Head over to CRAIG’S WEBSITE to order your copy of THAT’S NOT HOW IT HAPPENED. SUPPORT PEDIATRIC CONGENITAL HEART DISEASE RESEARCH: Click HERE…

People in this episode

Hosts: Josh Radnor, Craig Thomas

Guest: Dave Hemmingson

Topics covered

• threesome
• comedy
• emotional honesty
• character development
• writing process

Keywords

• Ted
• Barney
• Marshall
• Lily
• tramp stamp
• free-range Ted
• comedy writing
• HIMYM

Mentioned in this episode

Books & works: How I Met Your Mother, Third Wheel

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