(Twitter/@witzzchelle)

Though many fans were disappointed with the way the series wrapped up, nearly thirteen million viewers tuned in to watch the episode live. Even against the NBC juggernaut “The Voice,” “How I Met Your Mother” earned a 5.3 rating in the 18-49 demographic, up from 3.5 last week.

Fans of the series took to Twitter to voice their discontent with the finale, praying for the ending to be some kind of elaborate April Fool’s Day joke. The decision to focus on Ted’s relationship with Robin rather than the titular Mother came as a surprise, given the show’s long build up to the reveal of the character.

One of the show’s co-creators, Craig Thomas tweeted out a defense of the ending, saying “We did a finale about life's twists and turns and that is not always what happens...but THANKS!”

In an interview with Vulture, star Josh Radnor noted that the title “How I Met Your Mother’s” disconnect from the way the show ended fits in with the series’ affinity for misleading storylines and big surprises. 

“I just feel that part of the divisiveness and part of the anger and also part of the enthusiasm all speaks to something really great,” he said, “I think if you’re going do something new and bold and daring, you’re going to upset some people and you’re gonna thrill others.”

Either way, Thomas is grateful for the support of the fans, whether they were happy with the finale or not. 

“Seriously - no matter what you thought of tonight, THANK YOU...you were with us.  We love you,” he tweeted.