Long before she was headlining the Super Bowl or wowing us in Hustlers, Jennifer Lopez was busy teaching Barney Stinson a much-needed lesson in manners.
Fans on TikTok and X are currently revisiting one of the most legendary cameos in sitcom history: J.Lo’s appearance on How I Met Your Mother. Playing the fierce and fabulous Anita Appleby, Lopez didn’t just bring the laughs—she brought a major ratings spike that has everyone talking over a decade later.
In the season episode titled “Of Course,” Lopez stepped into the shoes of a no-nonsense author who literally wrote the book on dating—specifically titled, Of Course You’re Still Single, Take a Look at Yourself You Dumb Slut.
After a hilarious interview on Robin’s morning show, Anita agrees to help the gang by putting the legendary womanizer Barney Stinson (Neil Patrick Harris) in his place. The result? Pure comedic gold that showcased J.Lo’s impeccable timing.
While the show was known for its star-studded guest list—including icons like Britney Spears, Katy Perry, and Carrie Underwood—Lopez’s stint as Anita was something special. At the time, she was coming off a short hiatus after the birth of her twins in , and the “Anita effect” was real.
Social media users are pointing out that this single episode served as the ultimate launchpad for what many call the “J.Lo Renaissance.” Shortly after the episode aired, she landed her career-defining gig as a judge on American Idol and released her hit seventh studio album, Love?.
“I forgot how much Anita Appleby cleared!” one fan wrote on X, while another noted on TikTok, “J.Lo in her sitcom era was actually top tier.”
The cameo reminded the world that whether she’s dancing, singing, or playing a ruthless dating coach, Jennifer Lopez is a powerhouse. Since then, she’s gone from the halls of CBS to Golden Globe nominations and global residencies, but fans will always have a soft spot for the woman who made Barney Stinson say “wait for it” in a whole new way.
Looking back at her recent accolades, like her show-stopping Super Bowl Halftime performance, it’s clear that Anita Appleby was just the beginning of her second act.
Would you like me to find some of the best fan-made “Anita Appleby” memes from the episode?
