‘How I Met Your Mother’ Season 9 Talks “Optimistic”

Whether or not you think 'How I Met Your Mother' deserves an additional season in 2013 to wrap up its nine-year story, there's certainly no arguing that 'How I Met Your Mother' season 8 isn't quite being touted as the last one.  So with the bosses addressing reporters at the TCA press tour, what do they have to say on the matter?  And regardless of a ninth season, is a soundtrack of the show's music on the way?

CBS president Nina Tassler is "optimistic" about a ninth season of 'How I Met Your Mother,' she tells reporters at the Television Critics Association's press tour.  No deal remains in place for either the cast, crew, or creative minds behind the hit series, but preliminary talks have begun.  Of the re-negotiation's progress, Tassler says: "We’re in early conversations and we’re pretty optimistic, [but] we’re not there yet.”

Considering that series creators and show-runners Craig Thomas and Carter Bays have envisioned the series only lasting through the coming eighth season, set to debut on September 24, is there a plan in place for a potential ninth year?  Says Thomas:

It’s a really interesting situation because there’s a negotiation going on that could extend the show, for sure. But right now, the thing that we know to be true is we have this year and no deal for next year. So we have to proceed as though this could be the last year of 'How I Met Your Mother.'

Hopefully we will know soon. Basically, we couldn’t possibly know soon enough. But we’d be thrilled to tell either story – either wrap it up this year or to tell another chapter of this story. We don’t know yet which way it’s going to go.

Regardless of whether or not 'How I Met Your Mother' ends up continuing for a ninth season, there's at least one bit of good news for fans.  You know the eclectic mix or original songs the show has produced over the years, from Robin Sparkles to Barney's "Awesome" video resume song?  Get ready, because September 24 will also see the release of all your favorites on a 'How I Met Your Mother' soundtrack, consisting of 20 songs total!  The album will be available on iTunes, rather than a physical CD, because who uses those anymore?

What say you?  Are you optimistic about the chances of a ninth season for 'How I Met Your Mother?'  How would you like to see the story end?  Tell us if you'll pick up the soundtrack, and give us your thoughts in the comments below!