While much of the pre-Super Bowl focus was on the more controversial of this year’s commercials, including the pro-life Focus on the Family ad starring Tim Tebow, it was interest in a quick “How I Met Your Mother” ad that sprinted towards the top of the Google Trends list.
The ad began as a quick, doctored shot of Neil Patrick Harris–suited up in his Barney Stinson character–holding up a sign that asked ladies to “Call Barney Stinson” at 877-987-6401.
When called, the line produces a recording of NPH, in character, soliciting the caller for a “meeting,” several years in the future, at the show’s fictional MacLaren’s Bar.
CBS later aired a spot teasing that Monday’s new “How I Met Your Mother” episode would follow up on the publicity stunt.
The Emmy-nominated “How I Met” airs Mondays at 8PM.
