Cobra Kai

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Season 1
Season #: 6, 5, 4, 3, 2, 1
User Score
8.1

Universal acclaim- based on 270 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 225 out of 270
  2. Mixed: 14 out of 270
  3. Negative: 31 out of 270
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User Reviews

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  1. norse
    Jun 30, 2018
    10
    This is an absolutely astounding series - the characters experience real growth, behave like real people, and the writing has a subdued humor that I haven't seen in TV often enough. I particularly appreciate the moments when the series could go with a cliche but instead has the characters behave rationally. Phenomenal acting by the original actors who pick up from their original roles, hat off!
  2. CirialKilr
    May 3, 2018
    10
    Man, what a great show. As a fan of the original Karate Kid movie trilogy this was exactly what I wanted in a continuation. Here's hoping for a season 2.
  3. CharlieBrown8
    May 28, 2018
    10
    The best surprise of this TV season! It’s such a wonderful gem. With superb writing and acting, it stays faithful to its source material, and then adds so much thoughful depth and layers to it that it emerges with a bigger heart than the original. This is how to capitalize on a cinematic legacy. Now can we please have something similar for The Goonies, Ferries Buehler's Day Off, TheThe best surprise of this TV season! It’s such a wonderful gem. With superb writing and acting, it stays faithful to its source material, and then adds so much thoughful depth and layers to it that it emerges with a bigger heart than the original. This is how to capitalize on a cinematic legacy. Now can we please have something similar for The Goonies, Ferries Buehler's Day Off, The Breakfat Club, and Gremlins?… Expand
  4. wwolf_1
    May 3, 2018
    10
    A true Crane Kinck right back the the 80s. After binging the first season, I can`t wait to see where they go with the show.
  5. SchnitzelPoof
    Aug 11, 2018
    10
    I did not care much for the original Karate Kid, but this series is a work of genius. The characters are all complex. Endearing, but flawed. Their conflicts are tragic, arising from their imperfect character. Almost everyone is transformed throughout the season to some degree, and each journey is a pleasure to follow. In two words: must watch!
  6. Motoflou
    May 4, 2018
    10
    Holy crap, this show is way better than it had any right to be. It's cheesy as hell at times, but in a good way. It has great character development, with many of the characters going back and forth between being perceived as good or bad. Complex characters. And It doesn't just try to recreate every moment from the original movie as a nostalgia grab. It's very much its own thing. YouHoly crap, this show is way better than it had any right to be. It's cheesy as hell at times, but in a good way. It has great character development, with many of the characters going back and forth between being perceived as good or bad. Complex characters. And It doesn't just try to recreate every moment from the original movie as a nostalgia grab. It's very much its own thing. You can absolutely enjoy this show without having ever seen the original.

    Also...who would have expected a Karate Kid youtube sequel to be such a well thought-out statement on bullying culture?    … Expand
  7. P_Flux
    May 2, 2018
    10
    Cobra Kai, the continuation of the story of Johnny and Daniel. On my second watching of Episode 1, and yeah. I'm hooked. It's the continuation of the Karate Kid that I didn't even know I wanted! At this point all I've see/learned is the basic paths of Daniel's and Johnny's lives. Daniel has a kid and has made it owning several car dealerships. Johnny does handyman work, I think heCobra Kai, the continuation of the story of Johnny and Daniel. On my second watching of Episode 1, and yeah. I'm hooked. It's the continuation of the Karate Kid that I didn't even know I wanted! At this point all I've see/learned is the basic paths of Daniel's and Johnny's lives. Daniel has a kid and has made it owning several car dealerships. Johnny does handyman work, I think he lives in the old apartment building that Daniel and his mom owned in Karate Kid 1, but not quite sure. There is at least 1 big name cameo that I never saw coming. Once again, I'm hooked. I want to see this story unfold, and yeah. I'm team Johnny.....… Expand
  8. wegie125
    May 4, 2018
    10
    Honestly, I went in with extremely low expectations as this show was something that looked epic but was produced by youtube red. Something that I had no experience with. Even though I was biased from the beginning, I figured I would give it a chance since the first two episodes were free. I also should mention that I don't like when series reboot something from a long time ago, stuff likeHonestly, I went in with extremely low expectations as this show was something that looked epic but was produced by youtube red. Something that I had no experience with. Even though I was biased from the beginning, I figured I would give it a chance since the first two episodes were free. I also should mention that I don't like when series reboot something from a long time ago, stuff like Ghost Busters being remade did nothing but make me angry honestly and I wish that had never happened. This was an exception though, I was so surprised to see something like this do so well, It was enough to get me to buy youtube red. The series had me so attached that I actually felt conflicted with who I should cheer on as the good guy. Everything really has changed and it's cool to see them reference the original karate kid so much. I didn't expect much but I was so impressed and can't wait to see if they do this again with another series soon, I really hope so. Or turning this into a full movie would be really cool.… Expand
  9. SuperMax156
    May 3, 2018
    10
    I watched the first two episodes and now, damn it I wanna sign up for youtube red! This thing is actually a blast, it is way better than it has any right to be. And the way it is written with basically the characters from the first one exchanging roles, so now Daniel Larusso is the douchebag is seriously funny.
  10. schluss
    May 7, 2018
    10
    No doubt the show will mean more to the people who were raised on the movie(s), however, the writing is great (with Johnny getting the lion's share of the great lines) and you actually care for the Johnny and Daniel. Unlike the movies where there was a definite villain and underdog, the characters on the show are given enough "issues" to where they both can be recognized as real people.No doubt the show will mean more to the people who were raised on the movie(s), however, the writing is great (with Johnny getting the lion's share of the great lines) and you actually care for the Johnny and Daniel. Unlike the movies where there was a definite villain and underdog, the characters on the show are given enough "issues" to where they both can be recognized as real people. I agree with another reviewer who mentioned the lack of political of correctness is refreshing.… Expand
  11. gq_foine
    May 4, 2018
    10
    One word- AWESOME!! I didn't know what to expect but holly cow after binge watching the entire 10 episodes this was absolutely the best!! The character and story developmen is just amazing!! I literally signed up to watch the entire series in one night it was that good!!! Anyone who loved Karate kid the orginal will absolutely love this new show!!!! This is a must watch! It's so goodOne word- AWESOME!! I didn't know what to expect but holly cow after binge watching the entire 10 episodes this was absolutely the best!! The character and story developmen is just amazing!! I literally signed up to watch the entire series in one night it was that good!!! Anyone who loved Karate kid the orginal will absolutely love this new show!!!! This is a must watch! It's so good you will be hooked!!!… Expand
  12. VeloFellow
    May 3, 2018
    10
    I was hooked and binge watched all 10 episodes. I really enjoyed it; maybe it was the nostalgia factor, but it was much better than I expected. The episodes left me wanting more!
  13. Juansith
    May 5, 2018
    10
    Wow!
    This is just an excellent tv series, I’m blown away.
    I haven’t had this much fun since i was 4 years old watching Karate Kid. I never thought I would love Johnny Lawrence so much. They have developed him as a very interesting, underdog character.
    From all the lately nostalgia trend, this series is by far the best most heart felt and witty of all.
  14. Stroker_289
    Jun 4, 2018
    10
    Simply put.....AWESOME!!! So many great memories, great plotlines, great everything! Sleeper series of the year for sure! Cobra Kai never dies!!!!!
  15. jjpscott01
    May 2, 2018
    10
    Cobra Kai is poised to be the sleeper hit of the television season. Its a show that in theory should be a cringe-inducing second stab at early 80's nostalgia. The series tells the story of 2 50 year old's from the point of view of both characters. Maybe the most surprising element of Cobra Kai is how funny it is without losing the original film's sense of heart. Its the kind of show youCobra Kai is poised to be the sleeper hit of the television season. Its a show that in theory should be a cringe-inducing second stab at early 80's nostalgia. The series tells the story of 2 50 year old's from the point of view of both characters. Maybe the most surprising element of Cobra Kai is how funny it is without losing the original film's sense of heart. Its the kind of show you watch and when it ends you realize you've been smiling for half an hour. Its also the kind of series that shouldn't be nearly as good as it is. Clearly someone put a lot of thought in to how they could make this ballsy idea work. Give the pilot a shot and you'll be hooked.… Expand
  16. Davrosdaleks1
    Jul 23, 2018
    10
    This half-hour dramedy on Youtube Premium is a sequel to the Karate Kid movies featuring Danny LaRusso and his old high school rival Johnny Lawrence with the main plot focusing on a down-on-his-luck Johnny opening the old Cobra Kai dojo. This naturally results in opening old wounds with Danny considering that the dojo had been his enemy up until this point.

    When I first heard of this    This half-hour dramedy on Youtube Premium is a sequel to the Karate Kid movies featuring Danny LaRusso and his old high school rival Johnny Lawrence with the main plot focusing on a down-on-his-luck Johnny opening the old Cobra Kai dojo. This naturally results in opening old wounds with Danny considering that the dojo had been his enemy up until this point.

    When I first heard of this show, naturally I was a little curious, especially with the focus on the antagonist. When the first trailer came out, my interest waned a bit because, it just didn't seem all that interesting. Then the buzz came and after hearing all the positive reviews, I decided what the heck and subscribed to Youtube Premium just to watch. Not only does this live up to the hype, I feel it actually surpasses it.

    This show has an exceptionally compelling plot. There are a lot of twists and turns and not a moment feels wasted. The cast is strong even down to the most minor characters. Still, the star player is Johnny. No offense to Ralph Macchio, but William Zabka is the stronger actor and keeps this whole thing going with a multifaceted performance. Here Johnny is the lovable d***. He's not PC, doesn't know current technology, estranged from his son and has a very tough love/anti-Mr. Miyagi style. Yet, he is sympathetic: his current life sucks, his childhood personal life turns out to be less-than-idyllic, and he wants to improve things with his son, get his life back together, and teach the one thing he' was ever good at. He's pretty funny too. Johnny struggles all the way. He's clueless and is basically flying by the-seat-of-his-pants and improvising on the spot as a business owner and mentor.

    The constant between tension between Johnny and Danny works because they're both have valid points and weaknesses. Danny has a legitimate reason not to see Cobra Kai's "no mercy" doctrine continue, but years of struggling against his opponents and to be successful has left him with a bit of a black-and-white mentality. Johnny wants to restore the glory of Cobra Kai, which was destroyed by his previous sensei Kreese, but is misguided in his belief that only Kreese was flawed and not the teachings.

    Although there are too many characters to endorse, special kudos should be given to Amanda, Danny's level-headed wife and the voice-of-reason, and Miguel, Johnny's overly enthusiastic hero-worshiping pupil who forms a bond with him.

    Although this is an antihero show, don't worry about this getting too dramatic or serious. Cobra Kai has a very 80's quality and breezy feel to the proceedings. The jokes flow naturally and are pretty funny. The show is also self-aware and isn't afraid to call itself out on the ridiculousness of two middle-aged men fixated on a high school rivalry and the fact that karate dojos aren't quite as popular as they were in the eighties.

    I watched this in the course of a weekend, and it is probably one of the best shows I've experienced in a while.    … Expand
  17. Hua
    Oct 22, 2020
    10
    A perfect, poetic sequel to The Karate Kid films, and just an amazing show in its own right; great characters, arcs and acting. Loved every second of this first season and cannot wait for the journey to continue!
  18. dell221
    May 5, 2018
    10
    great tv show. it gives you a nostalgic feeling from the old movie. love the flashbacks to the old movie as well. only thing I can say bad about this show is that it last 30 mins instead of an hr
  19. nicolee331
    May 2, 2018
    10
    As a big fan of the movie I was delighted by this continuation. It honored the movie I love and elevated the story bringing more humor and nuance to the relationships so that as an adult I can still appreciate it - and most importantly keeping the heart. I've only watched the first two episodes, but it already got me in the gut - I cried at the "this season on" at the end of the episode!
  20. fightwarrior
    May 9, 2018
    10
    Lo que puedo decir es que es una serie divertida, entretenida y respeta la nostalgia de quienes disfrutamos la original, vale mucho la pena
  21. mgleitef
    May 6, 2018
    10
    30 years later ... WOW! I honestly did not expect much from this TV series ... I thought it was going to be a bland remake and adapted to the current times ... The series is AWESOME!

    The characters are superbly crafted, with a very well done script that leaves us looking forward to the next chapter. You watch the series begin to understand how the characters thought and with flashbacks    30 years later ... WOW! I honestly did not expect much from this TV series ... I thought it was going to be a bland remake and adapted to the current times ... The series is AWESOME!

    The characters are superbly crafted, with a very well done script that leaves us looking forward to the next chapter. You watch the series begin to understand how the characters thought and with flashbacks in the right moments. The series does not lose the rhythm quite the contrary, it increases in each episode. For fans it is the "must see" TV series.

    I'm looking forward to the second season already!    … Expand
  22. SkyfighterDK
    Feb 1, 2019
    10
    Cobra Kai is quite simply put a 80's boy wet dream, everyone on this show did an amazing job and you can feel the love for the original 1984 Karate Kid. Haven't you ever wanted to bring back to life your most beloved show or movie if you had the mean to do it? well these guys did just that and the result is awesome. Rushed through it in one go and it was a blast! Big hopes for more CobraCobra Kai is quite simply put a 80's boy wet dream, everyone on this show did an amazing job and you can feel the love for the original 1984 Karate Kid. Haven't you ever wanted to bring back to life your most beloved show or movie if you had the mean to do it? well these guys did just that and the result is awesome. Rushed through it in one go and it was a blast! Big hopes for more Cobra Kai from the looks of it too. Thanks a lot!… Expand
  23. medduderocket
    May 3, 2018
    10
    Love it. After so many sequels to the original movie this finally takes it all back to the original whilst moving forwards at the same time.
    And I actually find myself torn between Johnny and Daniel!
  24. danielani
    May 4, 2018
    10
    I grew up watching the Karate Kid film series and I have very fond memories of how the main character progressed and realized himself and the larger story. I love this new series, it just feels so right and having two original characters come back with great writing and other new characters was a blast. Really, this is special and brings back a lot of childhood feelings. I highly recommendI grew up watching the Karate Kid film series and I have very fond memories of how the main character progressed and realized himself and the larger story. I love this new series, it just feels so right and having two original characters come back with great writing and other new characters was a blast. Really, this is special and brings back a lot of childhood feelings. I highly recommend you watch this series, very well done.… Expand
  25. r0sco1
    May 4, 2018
    10
    Fantastic fresh continuation of the 80s movie. It has brought both the characters and audience with it as well as making it accessible for new fans.

    Love how it doesn't try and make everything politically correct as well.
  26. aeos
    May 5, 2018
    10
    The best serie in 2018, i hope to see seasson 2 very soon.
    Cobra Kai is poised to be the sleeper hit of the television season. Its a show that in theory should be a cringe-inducing second stab at early 80's nostalgia. The series tells the story of 2 50 year old's from the point of view of both characters. Maybe the most surprising element of Cobra Kai is how funny it is without losing the    The best serie in 2018, i hope to see seasson 2 very soon.
    Cobra Kai is poised to be the sleeper hit of the television season. Its a show that in theory should be a cringe-inducing second stab at early 80's nostalgia. The series tells the story of 2 50 year old's from the point of view of both characters. Maybe the most surprising element of Cobra Kai is how funny it is without losing the original film's sense of heart    … Expand
  27. Mr_Sylar
    May 6, 2018
    10
    Honestamente es una serie fabulosa. Para uno que nació con Karate Kid como la base de su infancia, es genial ver a los personajes desarrollados. William Zabka y Ralph Macchio the Best
  28. therealbones
    May 16, 2018
    10
    I thought this TV show was going to be another corny sequel but I was really surprised. It captures the spirit of the old Karate Kid with a mix of Revenge of the Nerds and Bad News Bear. This is one of the few shows that binged with excitement. The writers flipped the story focusing on the former antagonist Johnny Lawrence and making him likable without drastically changing his personalityI thought this TV show was going to be another corny sequel but I was really surprised. It captures the spirit of the old Karate Kid with a mix of Revenge of the Nerds and Bad News Bear. This is one of the few shows that binged with excitement. The writers flipped the story focusing on the former antagonist Johnny Lawrence and making him likable without drastically changing his personality of the high school bully.

    The TV series does a good job at exploring Johnny's perspective while revisiting the Karate Kid as an aging father/husband going through somewhat of a midlife crisis. But the saga still puts "coming of age teenagers" at the center of the storyline retelling the Karate Kid saga and having a lot of fun doing it.    … Expand
  29. Benski2046
    Jun 7, 2018
    10
    A true spiritual sequel to the original Karate Kid movie, the idea of starting this series from the perspective of the 'bad guy' is inspired. Seriously, it's astonishing how well it works. How it manages to be hilarious one moment and touching the next; how it's got one foot firmly planted in the world of 80s action and martial arts movies, and the other satirising contemporary socialA true spiritual sequel to the original Karate Kid movie, the idea of starting this series from the perspective of the 'bad guy' is inspired. Seriously, it's astonishing how well it works. How it manages to be hilarious one moment and touching the next; how it's got one foot firmly planted in the world of 80s action and martial arts movies, and the other satirising contemporary social issues at a standard South Park would be proud of. And it's the juxtaposition of 80s values and modern society that provides most the laughs. That shows us how far we've progressed, on one hand, and how much we've lost on the other. Not least an age when film and TV had personality, felt larger than life and took risks, and most of all, was just downright fun to watch.… Expand
  30. FerCasal
    Jun 27, 2018
    10
    What can I add that It's not already been said, Cobra Kai is the way to do sequels, period, it's just a blast.
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Awards & Rankings

69
#69 Best TV Season of 2018
12
#12 Most Discussed TV Season of 2018
52
#52 Most Shared TV Season of 2018

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
72

Generally favorable reviews - based on 11 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 11 out of 11
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 11
  3. Negative: 0 out of 11
  1. CNN
    Reviewed by: Brian Lowry
    May 2, 2018
    75
    For the most part, it's an extremely clever revival, an overachiever that knowingly plays off the title's kitsch factor while evolving the characters and augmenting the cast in savvy ways.
    Read full review
  2. New York Magazine (Vulture)
    Reviewed by: Jen Chaney
    May 2, 2018
    70
    Even if Cobra Kai is a little too in love with its evocations of the movie, there is still something compelling about seeing Johnny and Daniel back together, particularly because both men haven’t changed in key ways and have different ways of grappling with and denying that.
    Read full review
  3. Variety
    Reviewed by: Mekeisha Madden Toby
    May 2, 2018
    70
    This show gets a lot of things right from the perfect amount of references and music from the original and the acid-washed 1980s where the movie reigned supreme to the impressive casting and acting. .... That said, Cobra Kai relies on coincidence far too often even for a show spawned from the decade of decadence.
    Read full review
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