Me, Myself & I

Me, Myself & I is a comedic yet soul-stirring exploration of one man's life over a 50-year span. Presented by CBS and aired for a single season from 2017 to 2018, this unique single-camera sitcom created by Dan Kopelman offers viewers a refreshing, time-hopping format that is no less than an intriguing narrative roller-coaster.

The story orbits around the life of Alex Riley, portrayed by three different actors across three distinct timeframes – as a 14-year-old in 1991, a 40-year-old in present day, and as a 65-year-old in 2042. Each episode deftly swirls through these epochs to recount episodes of Alex’s life, connecting them with an underlying theme or event, effectively bringing forth a depth in storytelling that few shows manage to achieve.

As a teenager in 1991, Alex Riley, portrayed by Jack Dylan Grazer, is a brilliant inventor who is looking to navigate the complex landscapes of adolescence, school, bullies, and family, particularly after his mother, Maggie, portrayed by Skylar Gray, remarries and the family moves from Chicago to Los Angeles. The teenage narrative also unveils the beginning of Alex's lifelong passion for basketball, a result of his new stepbrother, Justin's influence.

Middle-aged Alex, played by the notable Bobby Moynihan, is shown in the present day (2017) as a thriving inventor and entrepreneur. However, he has to grapple not only with the professional setbacks of his failed business but also with the emotional turmoil that ensues his divorce. This narrative also introduces Darryl, Alex's brilliant business partner, who consistently supports him during his adversity.

John Larroquette plays an older Alex in 2042, who is rich and successful but lonely after the death of his best friend, Darryl. The narrative unfolds Alex's longing for companionship and love as he tried to rekindle his relationship with his childhood sweetheart Nori, alongside his interactions with his young stepbrother Justin, who is now his emotional confidante.

One of the standout elements of 'Me, Myself & I' is its impeccable casting. Grazer, Moynihan, and Larroquette deliver layered, engaging performances that convincingly portray their shared character at various stages of his life. The subtle mannerisms and shared idiosyncrasies across the three portrayals convey a sense of continuity that reinforces the concept of the series,

The series is a lighthearted watch that, however, does not shy away from highlighting the intense trials and tribulations of life. By aligning the timelines so seamlessly, the series allows spectators to witness the consequences or influence of Alex's past decisions on his present and future self, sparking the age-old debate of nature vs. nurture and the impact of past experiences on shaping an individual's life.

"Me, Myself & I" offers a fresh look at exploring a person's life through the decades. The lives of teenager, middle-aged, and senior Alex are portrayed side by side, creating an interesting counterpoint and allowing viewers to see the evolution of his dreams, relationships, and personality. On one hand, it's insightful to see how much our past selves can influence who we become. On the other hand, it's also comforting to realize that the future still holds a lot of opportunities for change and growth, no matter how old we get.

Each episode of this 13-part series is tightly packed with poignant moments perfectly balanced with humor. The writing is crisp and insightful, making the characters relatable and likable. The disco-lit fun aligns with heartfelt narratives smoothly, thus making Me, Myself & I an easy watch, ideal for evenings when all you want is to laugh a bit, ponder a little, and be reassured that life keeps getting better.

In summary, 'Me, Myself & I' is an innovative and enjoyable sitcom that has whimsical humor, heartfelt storytelling, and a unique structure that is sure to captivate viewers. Whether it’s the lovable characters, the cleverly intertwined timelines, or the genuinely touching narratives, there is plenty to admire in this delightful journey through the life of Alex Riley.