I'm a purist at heart. Once Barney left the show and it went color I like many here tuned OUT. I had seen some color eps through the years and they were always hit and miss, mostly miss. I came across Season 6 pre owned for $9.99. Now how could I NOT GET IT? After watching it I was totally thrilled with it! The trip to Hollywood ALONE in Season 6 was worth the price and those were episodes I never saw! Plus if you don't buy these you are missing the Barney returns episodes. I quickly bought Season 7 NEW when it came out of the strength oh S6..... and while it wasn't NEARLY as good, it had it's moments; even the Barney episodes in S7 are not that great; still there are a few gems worth having the set for; like Goobers beard:) I do not like Howard but there are enough episodes without him.

I reccommend both S6 and 7 but buy 7 as cheaply as possible.

How is Season 8 in comparison to 6 and 7?

I've been watching the show lately, the color episodes with Goober, and I'm really enjoying them. Goober was a riot. There's no replacing Barney, but I don't think the show fell apart with his departure.

One of my favorites with Howard was when he caught "Old Sam". That episode was as good as any b&w episode.