---
title: "Cobra Kai"
year: 2018
canonical_url: "https://www.archytele.com/show/cobra-kai-2018"
media_type: "tv"
tmdb_id: 77169
imdb_id: "tt7221388"
status: "Ended"
seasons_count: 6
episodes_count: 65
community_rating: 8.2
vote_count: 6940
content_rating: "TV-14"
---

# Cobra Kai (2018) — Television & Cinema Intelligence Dossier

> **Archytele Living Vault Canonical Record**: https://www.archytele.com/show/cobra-kai-2018

## Executive Summary & Cultural Positioning

Cobra Kai is an American martial arts comedy drama television series that serves as a sequel to the first three The Karate Kid films. The series was created by Josh Heald, Jon Hurwitz, and Hayden Schlossberg and distributed by Sony Pictures Television. It premiered on May 2, 2018. The show follows the story of Johnny Lawrence and Daniel LaRusso, who find themselves martial-arts rivals again decades after their All Valley Karate Tournament bout. The series explores their rivalry as Johnny seeks redemption by reopening the Cobra Kai karate dojo. Daniel LaRusso, who has been working to maintain balance in his life, is once again drawn into conflict with Johnny. The show features Ralph Macchio and William Zabka in key roles. Cobra Kai is available to watch on Netflix and has been well-received as a follow-up to the Karate Kid films. The series continues the story of the characters from the original films, with a new generation of characters also being introduced.

## The Hook & The Verdict

**The Hook**: "Decades after their 1984 tournament, old rivals Johnny Lawrence and Daniel LaRusso face off once again."

### Why Watch
- features original film stars
- explores long-standing character rivalries

### Caveats & Content Note
- relies on knowledge of previous films
- Tone & Suitability: The series contains martial arts violence and dramatic themes suitable for a general audience.

**Micro-Themes & Vibe Matrix**: nostalgic, dramatic, competitive, action-oriented

## Streaming Availability Matrix

| Region | Stream (Subscription) | Free / Ads | Rent / Buy |
| :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- |
| **United States (US)** | Netflix, Netflix Standard with Ads | None | Google Play Movies |
| **United Kingdom (GB)** | Netflix, Netflix Standard with Ads | None | Sky Store |
| **Canada (CA)** | Netflix, Netflix Standard with Ads | None | Apple TV Store |
| **Australia (AU)** | Netflix, Netflix Standard with Ads | None | Apple TV Store |

## Season Architecture & Lore Primers

### Season 1 (10 Episodes)
Cobra Kai is an American martial arts comedy drama television series that premiered on May 2, 2018. Created by Josh Heald, Jon Hurwitz, and Hayden Schlossberg, the series is distributed by Sony Pictures Television and serves as a sequel to the first three films in The Karate Kid franchise, which were created by Robert Mark Kamen. The narrative picks up thirty years after the events of the 1984 All Valley Karate Tournament. The story follows Johnny Lawrence, who seeks redemption by reopening the infamous Cobra Kai karate dojo. This action reignites a long-standing rivalry with Daniel LaRusso, who has been working to maintain balance in his own life. As the two men confront the past, the series explores the consequences of the tournament that changed their lives decades earlier. The show is categorized under the genres of action and adventure, drama, and comedy. It is recognized as a continuation of the established cinematic universe, focusing on the ongoing tension between the two central figures as they return to the Valley to face one final fight. The series is documented as running from 2018 through 2025.

## Filler vs. Essential Episode Classifier

- **Total Tracked Episodes**: 50
- **Crucial Mytharc Episodes**: 16 (32%)
- **Character Core Episodes**: 34 (68%)
- **Side Quest / Filler Episodes**: 0 (0%)

## Creative Credits

- **Created by**: Josh Heald, Hayden Schlossberg, Jon Hurwitz
- **Networks / Studios**: Netflix, YouTube Premium

## Key Cast Continuity

- **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*
- **Jacob Bertrand** as *Eli 'Hawk' Moskowitz*
- **Gianni DeCenzo** as *Demetri Alexopoulos*
- **Martin Kove** as *John Kreese*
- **Vanessa Rubio** as *Carmen Diaz*

## Canonical Frequently Asked Questions

### Q: Is this series a sequel?
Yes, it serves as a sequel to the first three The Karate Kid films.

### Q: Who created the show?
The series was created by Josh Heald, Jon Hurwitz, and Hayden Schlossberg.

### Q: When did the series premiere?
Cobra Kai premiered on May 2, 2018.

### Q: Who are the lead actors?
The series stars Ralph Macchio and William Zabka.

### Q: What is the premise?
The story follows Johnny Lawrence as he reopens the Cobra Kai dojo, reigniting his rivalry with Daniel LaRusso.

## Grounded Source Citations

- [cobra CRM Software - Cloud und On-Premise für den Mittelstand](https://cobra.de/)
- [Cobra Kai (TV Series 2018-2025) - IMDb](https://www.imdb.com/title/tt7221388/)
- [Continuation of Health Coverage (COBRA) - U.S. Department of Labor](https://www.dol.gov/general/topic/health-plans/cobra)
- [Cobra Kai - Wikipedia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cobra_Kai)
- [Echte Kobras – Wikipedia](https://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Echte_Kobras)
- [Watch Cobra Kai | Netflix Official Site](https://www.netflix.com/title/81002370)

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*Generated by Archytele Open Intelligence Systems. Data verified against TMDB and JustWatch APIs.*