‘How I Met Your Mother’ Spin-Off Enlists Writer From FX’s ‘You’re the Worst’

Actress and writer, Alison Bennett, best known for FXX’s You’re the Worst, has been pegged by 20th Century FOX TV to write the spin-off for CBS’ long-running sitcom, How I Met Your Mother.

According to Deadline, Bennett will pen How I Met Your Father as part of her overall deal with the 20th Century FOX TV, written on spec and with no studio currently attached. The CBS sitcom’s original creators, Carter Bays and Craig Thomas are attached to executive produce the spin-off, though their involvement will be limited.

FOX Chairman, Dana Waldon revealed the studio’s spin-off strategy this week, sharing it’s an idea that has been stewing for quite some time.

“It’s one that’s been slowly cooked. If it’s the right idea the right execution, we’ll take that,” she said.

Deadline adds that the spin-off will be a brand new take on the “general concept of a young ensemble show,” which was built around the device of one voice. In this case, it will be a mother telling her story, with much of Bennett’s own personal experiences added to the plot.

President of Creative Affairs at 20th Century FOX TV, Jonathan Davis said they are always on the “lookout for fresh, new voices,” adding that Bennett’s work on You’re the Worst has been incredible.

“She is completely original, hilariously funny and a big, big talent,” he said.

Since the show ended in 2014, there have been two attempts to get the spin-off to lift off. Shortly after the CBS sitcom’s season finale, How I Met Your Dad was in development with Meg Ryan doing a voiceover, with Greta Gerwig as the lead. However, the network passed on it. Last year, the studio tried it again with This Is Us co-executive producers, but they got promoted and much of their time is devoted now to the Emmy-nominated NBC series.

Bennett is a former member of the acclaimed Upright Citizens Brigade and supervising producer on the critically acclaimed FXX comedy series You’re the Worst, created by Stephen Falk.