Cobra Kai (2018)

Kernel Score: 89% · 6,821 ratings

Genres: Action & Adventure, Drama, Comedy

First aired: 2018-05-02

Seasons: 6 · 65 episodes

Is Cobra Kai worth watching?

Worth watching. A karate-sequel series that treats the old rivals of The Karate Kid as people with flaws. It's entertaining and quick, and it gets silly at times, but the nostalgia and dojo drama keep it fun.

Watch it if you

  • loved The Karate Kid
  • like nostalgic, melodramatic teen drama
  • want something easy to binge

Skip it if you

  • dislike soap-opera plotting
  • have no interest in karate

Best for: Binge weekend

Fresh Kernels verdict, AI-assisted from our scores, audience reviews and the official rating.

Where to watch Cobra Kai

US availability, updated 2026-10-23.

Overview

This Karate Kid sequel series picks up 30 years after the events of the 1984 All Valley Karate Tournament and finds Johnny Lawrence on the hunt for redemption by reopening the infamous Cobra Kai karate dojo. This reignites his old rivalry with the successful Daniel LaRusso, who has been working to maintain the balance in his life without mentor Mr. Miyagi.

Cobra Kai parents' guide: ages 11+

Parents need to know that Cobra Kai centers on martial arts rivalry, mentorship, and redemption.

  • Violence & scariness: Some — Karate competition and sparring violence, largely sport-based rather than graphic.

Fresh Kernels AI-assessed from the official TV-14 rating, publicly documented content. A guide for families, not an official rating.

Shows like Cobra Kai

If you liked Cobra Kai, these are the shows we'd watch next.

  • Kickin' It (2011) — 90%: Teen dojo comedy about karate, friendship and rivalry.
  • Warrior (2019) — 87%: Martial-arts drama with plenty of fighting.
  • BEEF (2023) — 88%: Dark comedy about feuds that escalate.
  • Buffy the Vampire Slayer (1997) — 90%: Teen series mixing drama, action and humor.

Cast

  • William Zabka as Johnny Lawrence
  • Ralph Macchio as Daniel LaRusso
  • Courtney Henggeler as Amanda LaRusso
  • Xolo Maridueña as Miguel Diaz
  • Tanner Buchanan as Robby Keene
  • Mary Mouser as Samantha LaRusso
  • Peyton List as Tory Nichols
  • Jacob Bertrand as Eli 'Hawk' Moskowitz
  • Gianni DeCenzo as Demetri Alexopoulos
  • Dallas Dupree Young as Kenny Payne

Cobra Kai FAQ

Is Cobra Kai worth watching?

Worth watching. A karate-sequel series that treats the old rivals of The Karate Kid as people with flaws. It's entertaining and quick, and it gets silly at times, but the nostalgia and dojo drama keep it fun.

Where can I watch Cobra Kai?

In the US you can stream Cobra Kai on Netflix and buy it from Google Play.

Is Cobra Kai OK for kids?

Cobra Kai is rated TV-14. Fresh Kernels suggests ages 11+. Parents need to know that Cobra Kai centers on martial arts rivalry, mentorship, and redemption.

What shows are like Cobra Kai?

If you liked Cobra Kai, try Kickin' It, Warrior, BEEF and Buffy the Vampire Slayer.