---
title: "Cobra Kai"
year: 2018
kind: "series"
canonical: "https://film.one/tv/cobra-kai"
fi1m_id: "cobra-kai"
imdb_id: "tt7221388"
tmdb_id: 77169
wikidata_id: "Q48326845"
fi1m_score: 70
critics_score: 72
critics_reviews: 15
published: "2026-09-24T22:53:48.767308+00:00"
updated: "2026-09-24T22:53:54.598600+00:00"
region: "HK"
licence: "© Fi1m Ltd. Written by AI under a human editor; checked against sources before publication. Quote with attribution and a link to the canonical URL."
---

# Cobra Kai (2018)

Created by Josh Heald, Hayden Schlossberg, Jon Hurwitz · Action & Adventure, Drama, Comedy

## Identity

Cobra Kai

- **Canonical:** https://film.one/tv/cobra-kai
- **Type:** Series
- **Fi1m ID:** cobra-kai
- **IMDb ID:** tt7221388
- **TMDB ID:** 77169
- **Wikidata ID:** Q48326845
- **Same entity:** https://www.imdb.com/title/tt7221388/, https://www.themoviedb.org/tv/77169, https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q48326845

**Fi1m score: 70** · Critics 72 from 15 reviews

*In a sentence:* The bully from 1984 opens a dojo in a strip mall and turns out to have been the interesting one all along

> Six seasons of what happened to the bully from *The Karate Kid*. William Zabka makes Johnny Lawrence funny and then, without warning, sad, and the series is worth two seasons of anyone’s time. After that it repeats itself.

## Synopsis

The San Fernando Valley, more than thirty years after the All Valley tournament of 1984. Johnny Lawrence (William Zabka), who lost that final, is a handyman living alone, drinking and getting sacked. When his teenage neighbour Miguel Diaz (Xolo Maridueña) is beaten up in a car park, Johnny fights the bullies off, and Miguel asks to be taught. Johnny reopens the Cobra Kai dojo in a strip-mall unit, old rules intact: strike first, strike hard, no mercy. Across town, Daniel LaRusso (Ralph Macchio), who won that final, runs car dealerships with his wife Amanda (Courtney Henggeler) and daughter Samantha (Mary Mouser). When he sees the Cobra Kai sign lit again, he cannot leave it alone. Johnny’s estranged son Robby (Tanner Buchanan) takes a job at LaRusso’s dealership.

## Review

In 1984, in [*The Karate Kid*](https://film.one/film/the-karate-kid), a blond boy lost the All Valley tournament to a crane kick and was never heard from again. Josh Heald, Jon Hurwitz and Hayden Schlossberg have spent six seasons and 65 episodes wondering what became of him. Their answer is that Johnny Lawrence has been in the San Fernando Valley the whole time, drinking, getting fired and not getting over it. *Cobra Kai* is warmer, funnier and better acted than a sequel to a 1984 teen film has any business being, and it goes on for about three seasons longer than it should. We can recommend it, with that caveat written large.

William Zabka carries it. He plays Johnny as a man who stopped taking in new information around 1985: he drives a Pontiac Firebird, does not know what the internet is for and speaks to teenagers the way his own sensei spoke to him, which is the problem in one sentence. Zabka never winks at us. We laughed at Johnny for the first two episodes and then, watching him stand in his empty dojo trying to teach one nervous boy to punch, we found we minded what happened to him, which we had not expected to.

The nervous boy is Miguel Diaz, and Xolo Maridueña plays him with a decency that makes the arrangement work: he wants a father and Johnny has misplaced a son. Ralph Macchio, meanwhile, plays Daniel LaRusso as a car dealer who gives away a bonsai with every purchase. The show’s best joke is that it is no longer sure Daniel is the hero, and neither is Daniel. Courtney Henggeler, as his wife Amanda, is the one adult in the Valley who can see how ridiculous all of this is, and she gets the driest lines and lands them.

The young cast is stronger than the writing gives it room to be. Tanner Buchanan’s Robby Keene, Johnny’s abandoned son, drifts towards Daniel’s dealership for reasons the first season handles with some care. Mary Mouser’s Samantha LaRusso, Peyton List’s Tory Nichols and Jacob Bertrand’s Hawk are all playing teenagers whose lives are decided by which dojo they belong to this week, and they sell it more often than they should be able to.

It is made cleanly. Paul Varrieur shoots the Valley in flat, hard sunlight, all tan stucco and car parks, so the dojo looks like what it is, a unit in a strip mall with a cobra painted on the window. Ryan Berg gives Daniel’s showroom glass, chrome and potted trees, and Johnny’s flat the furniture of a man who does not expect visitors. The fights are the series’ strongest craft. The editors, Dexter Adriano, Nicholas Monsour, Zack Arnold and Bartholomew Burcham among them, hold wide and let the choreography play, and the school cafeteria brawl in the first season is staged with more clarity than most cinema action. Leo Birenberg and Zach Robinson score it with 1980s synth and electric guitar, played entirely straight, which suits Johnny and nobody else.

The trouble is plot. Every season ends at a tournament. Teenagers switch dojos and allegiances every few episodes, and the grown men behave like the teenagers. Martin Kove’s John Kreese and Thomas Ian Griffith’s Terry Silver both return, and are enjoyable, and the series has to keep inventing reasons for them to stay. By the fifth season we could not have told you which child was training under whom and why, and we noticed we no longer minded. For a series built on rivalry, that is the wrong thing to notice.

The 1984 film taught one lesson and stopped. *Cobra Kai* teaches it 65 times and keeps finding new students to teach it to. The sixth season, at fifteen episodes, is the longest and is billed as the last, which is right, and about two seasons overdue.

Watch the first two seasons with someone who remembers the crane kick. If you are still watching in the fifth, you will know why, and his name is William Zabka. It carries a 15, and the violence between children is pitched a good deal harder than the films ever were.

*Fi1m score 70, published 24 September 2026.*

## What the critics say

Most critics like it, and many are surprised to. The reviews keep returning to the same point: a series spun out of an old film rivalry has no business being this entertaining, and yet it is. The praise clusters on William Zabka, whose Johnny Lawrence is repeatedly called layered and nuanced, and on his pairing with Ralph Macchio, which several critics see as the show’s real engine. The fight choreography is admired, and the later seasons draw some of the warmest notices, with the final episodes described as a satisfying send-off.

The reservations are about writing rather than performance. Coincidence, soap-opera plotting and predictable teen drama come up often, as do uneven comedy and flat dialogue. The spread is wide, and partly a matter of which season is under review. The Guardian finds the whole enterprise anachronistic and unrewarding, and Empire calls the opening stretch of the final season tired and repetitive, watchable only as comfort television.

## Straight answers

**Is Cobra Kai worth watching?**

*Cobra Kai* is worth watching for its first two seasons, and we scored it 70. William Zabka makes Johnny Lawrence funny and then unexpectedly sad, and the fights are staged with more clarity than most cinema action. After that the series repeats itself, ending every season at a tournament, and by the fifth we had stopped caring who was training under whom.

**Where can I watch Cobra Kai in Hong Kong?**

*Cobra Kai* is streaming on Netflix in Hong Kong. Availability is checked daily; the links above go straight to each service.

**How violent or frightening is Cobra Kai, and is it suitable for children?**

*Cobra Kai* carries a UK 15 certificate, and the violence between teenagers is pitched a good deal harder than the films ever were. There is little to frighten anyone, but the fights are frequent and hit properly, including a school cafeteria brawl in the first season. It suits older teenagers and adults; we would keep younger children away.

**What should I watch after Cobra Kai?**

After *Cobra Kai*, try [*The Karate Kid*](https://film.one/film/the-karate-kid) (1984, Fi1m 81): The original, and still the reason any of this exists; see it first. Then [*Creed*](https://film.one/film/creed) (2015, Fi1m 85): Another old fighter teaching a young one, and Stallone has never been quieter; and [*Warrior*](https://film.one/film/warrior) (2011, Fi1m 80): Two estranged brothers in a cage fighting tournament; grim, sincere and well fought.

### Reviews we read (15)

- **The AV Club**, Christina Izzo (A-): The review finds the final episodes a substantial, satisfying send-off that neatly closes the series’ long-running stories. It especially praises the renewed focus on Johnny Lawrence and the emotional resolution of his relationship with Kreese. [Read](https://www.avclub.com/cobra-kai-season-6-part-3-review-netflix-tv)
- **Radio Times**, Morgan Jeffery (80/100, inferred): The season is presented as a lively return in spectacular style. The review highlights its blend of action, comedy and drama. [Read](https://www.radiotimes.com/tv/drama/cobra-kai-season-3-review/)
- **The i Paper**, Tilly Pearce (80/100, inferred): Pearce finds the final episodes a satisfying return to form and a fitting conclusion. She singles out William Zabka’s emotionally powerful performance as the show’s sentimental anchor. [Read](https://inews.co.uk/culture/television/cobra-kai-finale-review-karate-kid-3529352)
- **IndieWire**, Hanh Nguyen (B-): Nguyen finds the series predictable and culturally problematic, but still entertaining and appealing as an earnest ’80s throwback. She praises the energetic martial-arts choreography, especially the school cafeteria fight. [Read](https://www.indiewire.com/criticism/shows/cobra-kai-review-karate-kid-youtube-red-1201959553/)
- **The Hollywood Reporter**, Daniel Fienberg (70/100, inferred): Fienberg finds the series more consistently entertaining than its premise suggests, though it is not great and its comedy lands unevenly. He praises the likable performances and the more complicated characters and dramatic stakes, especially the work of Ralph Macchio and William Zabka. [Read](https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/tv/tv-reviews/cobra-kai-review-1105632/)
- **Variety**, Mekeisha Madden Toby (70/100, inferred): The critic finds the series entertaining and thoughtfully modern, though it leans too often on coincidence and soap-opera plotting. She singles out its nuanced treatment of Johnny and Daniel, along with William Zabka’s layered performance. [Read](https://variety.com/2018/tv/reviews/cobra-kai-review-youtube-red-1202794718/)
- **Vulture**, Jen Chaney (65/100, inferred): Chaney finds the series compelling but uneven, praising its thoughtful take on nostalgia and the old rivalry. She criticizes its amateurish dialogue and direction, and says its use of violence creates a mixed message. [Read](https://www.vulture.com/2018/05/cobra-kai-youtube-red-review.html)
- **The Guardian**, Jake Nevins (40/100, inferred): Nevins finds the series sentimental and reasonably charming, but ultimately anachronistic and unrewarding. He singles out its strained attempts to make the original premise feel contemporary as a key weakness. [Read](https://www.theguardian.com/tv-and-radio/2018/may/02/cobra-kai-review-karate-kid-youtube-reboot)
- **Empire**, Alex Godfrey (30/100, inferred): Godfrey finds this opening stretch of the final season tired and repetitive, though still watchable as comfort TV. He praises the cast’s likability and charisma, while faulting the contrived plot and regressive character writing. [Read](https://www.empireonline.com/tv/reviews/cobra-kai-season-6-part-1/)
- **/Film**, Rafael Motamayor (90/100, inferred): Motamayor calls the season the series’ finest moment, despite its break from realism. He especially praises Yuji Okumoto’s exuberant performance as Chozen and the thrilling fight scenes. [Read](https://www.slashfilm.com/980301/cobra-kai-season-5-review-were-in-the-endgame-now/)
- **Paste**, Amy Amatangelo (8.9/10): Amatangelo finds the series a delightful, clever follow-up that makes its characters complex and keeps the story engaging. She particularly praises William Zabka’s nuanced performance and his chemistry with Ralph Macchio. [Read](https://www.pastemagazine.com/tv/cobra-kai/youtube-red-cobra-kai-karate-kid-review)
- **Consequence**, Michael Roffman (85/100, inferred): The critic finds the third season smart, funny, and heartwarming, praising its balance of nostalgia and fresh storytelling. They single out William Zabka’s charm and the show’s nuanced use of Karate Kid history, while noting that the teen drama sometimes falls into predictable tropes. [Read](https://consequence.net/2020/12/tv-review-cobra-kai-season-3/)
- **Den of Geek**, Andrew Husband (4/5): The critic finds the series surprisingly effective and entertaining, despite its unlikely premise. They praise how the early episodes balance callbacks to the original film with Johnny and Daniel’s developing stories. [Read](https://www.denofgeek.com/tv/cobra-kai-review-karate-kid-sequel-is-a-peak-tv-surprise/)
- **The Ringer**, Miles Surrey (80/100, inferred): Surrey finds the fifth season an enjoyable, energetic continuation that expands the show’s stakes while preserving its underdog appeal. He especially praises the shake-up of the familiar dojo rivalries through Terry Silver’s plan to turn Cobra Kai into a global brand. [Read](https://www.theringer.com/2022/09/08/tv/cobra-kai-season-5-review-netflix-johnny-lawrence-terry-silver)
- **Collider**, Dave Trumbore (★★★ Good for the general TV-watching public. / ★★★★ Very good for diehard fans of The Karate Kid.): Trumbore finds that the series stumbles early but ultimately delivers a worthy viewing experience. He praises William Zabka’s performance as a flawed Johnny Lawrence, whose odd-couple pairing with Miguel drives the story. [Read](https://collider.com/cobra-kai-review/)

## Details

- **Created by:** Josh Heald, Hayden Schlossberg, Jon Hurwitz
- **Creator:** Josh Heald, Hayden Schlossberg, Jon Hurwitz
- **Director:** Hayden Schlossberg, Jon Hurwitz, Joel Novoa, Josh Heald, Jennifer Celotta, Steven Tsuchida, Marielle Woods, Sherwin Shilati, Steve Pink, Lin Oeding, Michael Grossman, Tawnia McKiernan, Joe Piarulli, Ralph Macchio, William Zabka
- **Writer:** Josh Heald, Hayden Schlossberg, Jon Hurwitz, Luan Thomas, Joe Piarulli, Bob Dearden, Michael Jonathan Smith, Ashley Darnall, Mattea Greene, Chris Rafferty, Stacey Harman, Kyle Civale, Bill Posley, Olga Lexell, Emily Abbott
- **Story:** Josh Heald, Hayden Schlossberg, Jon Hurwitz, Luan Thomas, Michael Jonathan Smith, Joe Piarulli, Stacey Harman, Bob Dearden, Kevin McManus, Matthew McManus, Alyssa Forleiter, Mattea Greene
- **Teleplay:** Luan Thomas, Joe Piarulli, Michael Jonathan Smith, Stacey Harman, Bob Dearden, Kevin McManus, Matthew McManus, Jason Belleville, Alyssa Forleiter, Mattea Greene
- **Cinematography:** Paul Varrieur
- **Editor:** Nicholas Monsour, Zack Arnold, Bartholomew Burcham, Dexter Adriano
- **Music:** Zach Robinson, Leo Birenberg
- **Production design:** Ryan Berg
- **Producer:** Will Smith, Bob Wilson, Luan Thomas
- **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
- **Release (Hong Kong):** 2 May 2018
- **Genres:** Action & Adventure, Drama, Comedy
- **Trailer:** https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xCwwxNbtK6Y

## Where to watch in Hong Kong

- Netflix: streaming

*Checked 2026-09-24.*

Also available in: AE, AR, AT, AU, AZ, BE, BG, BR, CA, CH, CL, CO, CZ, DE, DK, EC, EE, ES, FI, FR, GB, GR, HK, HR, HU, ID, IE, IL, IN, IS, IT, JP, KR, LT, MX, MY, NL, NO, NZ, PA, PE, PH, PL, PT, RO, RS, SE, SG, SI, SK, TH, TR, UA, US, VN, ZA. Add `?region=XX` to this URL for another country.

## If you liked this

- *The Karate Kid* (1984), Fi1m 81: The original, and still the reason any of this exists; see it first. — [Fi1m page](https://film.one/film/the-karate-kid.md)
- *Creed* (2015), Fi1m 85: Another old fighter teaching a young one, and Stallone has never been quieter. — [Fi1m page](https://film.one/film/creed.md)
- *Ip Man* (2008): Donnie Yen’s dignified master; fights you can actually follow, in Foshan.
- *Warrior* (2011), Fi1m 80: Two estranged brothers in a cage fighting tournament; grim, sincere and well fought. — [Fi1m page](https://film.one/film/warrior.md)
- *Friday Night Lights* (2006), Fi1m 86: Small-town sport as family drama, with coaches who admit they are wrong. — [Fi1m page](https://film.one/tv/friday-night-lights.md)

---
© Fi1m Ltd. Written by AI under a human editor; checked against sources before publication. Quote with attribution and a link to the canonical URL. Canonical: https://film.one/tv/cobra-kai