Cobra Kai" is a popular television series that continues the story of the iconic 1984 film "The Karate Kid". Created by Josh Heald, Jon Hurwitz, and Hayden Schlossberg, the series debuted on YouTube Premium in 2018 and later moved to Netflix. It has garnered praise for its blend of nostalgia, character development, and martial arts action.
"Cobra Kai" picks up 34 years after the events of the original film, exploring the ongoing rivalry between Johnny Lawrence (William Zabka) and Daniel LaRusso (Ralph Macchio). The series is set in the same universe as "The Karate Kid" but offers a modern twist by diving into the characters' lives decades later.
Johnny Lawrence: The series begins with Johnny Lawrence, now an adult struggling with his past and present. He decides to reopen the Cobra Kai dojo to reclaim his sense of purpose and to mentor a new generation of students. However, this decision reignites his old rivalry with Daniel LaRusso, who has become a successful car dealership owner but is haunted by his past and struggles to maintain balance in his life.
Daniel LaRusso: Meanwhile, Daniel LaRusso, who has tried to live a peaceful life, finds himself at odds with Johnny’s return and the resurgence of Cobra Kai. The show explores Daniel's efforts to balance his life while trying to instill the values he from Mr. Miyagi in his own students.
New Generation: The series also introduces a new cast of characters, including Johnny’s students like Miguel Diaz (Xolo Maridueña) and Daniel’s students like Samantha LaRusso (Mary Mouser). The younger generation’s struggles and conflicts reflect and mirror the ongoing tensions between Johnny and Daniel.