Review of Cobra Kai (2018 – Present)

“Cobra Kai never dies.” This phrase defines the heart of Cobra Kai, the hit series that breathes new life into the Karate Kid franchise. Created by Josh Heald, Jon Hurwitz, and Hayden Schlossberg, the show masterfully blends nostalgia, action, and character-driven storytelling, making it one of the most successful revivals of a classic 1980s film.

Plot & Storyline

Set 34 years after the events of The Karate Kid (1984), the series flips the perspective by focusing on Johnny Lawrence (William Zabka), the former high school bully who lost to Daniel LaRusso (Ralph Macchio) in the iconic All Valley Karate Tournament. Now a washed-up, down-on-his-luck handyman, Johnny decides to reopen the Cobra Kai dojo, reigniting old rivalries and drawing a new generation into the world of karate.

Meanwhile, Daniel LaRusso has become a successful businessman but struggles to balance his family life and his lingering animosity toward Johnny. As both men mentor young students—including Miguel (Xolo Maridueña), Robby (Tanner Buchanan), and Sam (Mary Mouser)—the show explores the blurred lines between hero and villain.

What makes Cobra Kai unique is its ability to subvert expectations. It doesn’t just retell The Karate Kid; it deepens the story, showing how perspectives change over time. Johnny, once seen as the classic 1980s bully, becomes a more sympathetic figure, while Daniel is portrayed as flawed and occasionally arrogant.

Characters & Performances

• William Zabka (Johnny Lawrence) is the heart of the show, delivering a hilarious yet heartfelt performance as a man stuck in the past, trying to redeem himself.
• Ralph Macchio (Daniel LaRusso) returns with a more layered version of his character, balancing nostalgia with new challenges.
• Xolo Maridueña (Miguel Diaz) shines as Johnny’s first student, bringing heart and growth to his underdog story.
• Tanner Buchanan (Robby Keene), Johnny’s estranged son, adds emotional weight to the father-son conflict.
• Mary Mouser (Samantha LaRusso) and Peyton List (Tory Nichols) showcase the next generation’s rivalries, adding a fresh dynamic.
• Martin Kove (John Kreese), the ruthless sensei from the original film, returns to shake things up with his manipulative and violent philosophy.

The mix of new characters and returning legacy actors makes the series a perfect blend of nostalgia and modern storytelling.

Action & Choreography

The fight scenes in Cobra Kai are well-choreographed, fast-paced, and entertaining, maintaining the essence of 1980s martial arts action while modernizing the stunts. The school fight at the end of Season 2 and the tournament battles in Season 4 are some of the best fight sequences in TV history.

Themes & Messages

Beyond karate, Cobra Kai explores themes of redemption, mentorship, toxic rivalry, and personal growth. The show emphasizes that people aren’t just “good” or “bad”—they are shaped by their choices and experiences. It also touches on father-son relationships, bullying, and the generational impact of past mistakes.

Final Verdict

Cobra Kai is a perfect mix of nostalgia, humor, action, and drama, making it a must-watch for both longtime Karate Kid fans and new audiences. It takes a beloved 1980s franchise and expands it with rich storytelling, great character development, and thrilling karate battles. Whether you were Team LaRusso or Team Cobra Kai back in the day, this show proves that the fight is never truly over.

⭐ 9/10 – A brilliant continuation of The Karate Kid legacy with heart, humor, and kick-ass action.