Cobra Kai

Cobra Kai is an American martial arts comedy-drama television series and a sequel to the original Karate Kid films by Robert Mark Kamen. The series premiered on YouTube Red (later YouTube Premium) in 2018, before moving to Netflix in 2020.

The show revisits the rivalry between Daniel LaRusso (Ralph Macchio) and Johnny Lawrence (William Zabka) decades after the events of the 1984 All-Valley Karate Tournament. Johnny, down on his luck, decides to reopen the Cobra Kai karate dojo, reigniting his feud with Daniel, who has achieved success and stability. The series follows their intertwined lives and the impact their rivalry has on a new generation of karate students.

The central themes of Cobra Kai include redemption, forgiveness, the dangers of toxic masculinity, and the balance between aggression and discipline. The series explores the nuanced perspectives of both Johnny and Daniel, portraying them as flawed individuals grappling with their pasts and attempting to navigate the complexities of modern life.

Cobra Kai gained critical acclaim and popularity for its nostalgia, character development, and compelling storylines. It has been praised for its ability to appeal to both fans of the original films and new viewers. The series features numerous characters from the Karate Kid film series, further expanding the universe and delving deeper into their backstories. The mantra of the Cobra Kai dojo, "Strike First. Strike Hard. No Mercy," serves as a recurring motif, representing the aggressive and ruthless philosophy that Johnny initially espouses before evolving his teachings. The series depicts the consequences of embracing such a philosophy, while also examining the potential for redemption and personal growth.