Paul Rudd has charmed audiences for decades, but one of his most fascinating roles is also one of his most overlooked. In Netflix's Living With Yourself, Rudd plays a man who discovers he's been cloned—and the result is a smart, heartfelt, and surprisingly funny sci-fi series that deserves a second look.
The show follows Miles Elliot (Rudd), a copywriter stuck in a rut. His marriage to his wife Kate (Aisling Bea) is strained, his career is stagnant, and he feels like he's just going through the motions. After a strange encounter with a co-worker, Miles finds out that a clone of himself has been created. Instead of a typical sci-fi thriller, Living With Yourself uses this premise to explore identity, regret, and the desire for a second chance.
What makes the series stand out is how it handles the clone concept. Both versions of Miles have their own strengths and flaws, making it hard to root for one over the other. The show doesn't paint either as a villain; instead, it asks deeper questions about what it means to be human. It's a nuanced take on cloning that avoids the usual clichés.
Rudd delivers one of his best performances here, balancing his trademark humor with genuine dramatic weight. He plays both Miles and his clone with distinct personalities, and the physical comedy—especially in a hilarious fight scene between the two—is top-notch. But it's the quieter moments that really shine, as Rudd digs into the insecurities of a middle-aged man trying to find purpose.
The chemistry between Rudd and Bea is also a highlight. Their portrayal of a couple who still love each other but have lost their spark feels real and relatable. The show's small cast keeps the focus on these relationships, and Rudd's charisma carries the series through its eight episodes.
Living With Yourself is the kind of experimental project that Netflix used to greenlight more often—a high-concept, serialized story that wouldn't work as a movie or on traditional TV. It's a dramedy that doesn't fit neatly into any box, and its ambiguity is part of its charm. Sadly, the series was never renewed, but it stands on its own as a complete story.
If you're looking for a forgotten gem, this is it. For more underrated Netflix sci-fi, check out Netflix's 'Cyberpunk: Edgerunners' or explore other forgotten miniseries that deserve your time.
