Created by Josh Heald, Jon Hurwitz, and Hayden Schlossberg.
Cobra Kai premiered on May 2, 2018.
Distributed by Netflix.
Series Review
Cobra Kai brings back the world of The Karate Kid in a fun and emotional way.
Season 1 shows what happens when Johnny and Daniel meet again after many years, leading to new rivalries and friendships.
Season 2 builds on the tension between Cobra Kai and Miyagi-Do students.
Season 3 takes a darker turn, showing how past mistakes affect the new generation.
Season 4 focuses on teamwork and the big karate tournament.
Season 5 delivers action, surprises, and emotional moments that fans love.
Season 6 wraps up the story, bringing closure to many characters.
Overall, Cobra Kai is a perfect mix of nostalgia, humor, and life lessons.
It shows how people can grow, change, and still fight for what matters.
Whether you loved the original movies or not, this series is full of heart and excitement.
Ratings
• IMDb: 8.4/10
• Rotten Tomatoes: 94%
• Google Audience Score: 95% liked this TV show.
Cobra Kai Actors
Ralph Macchio as Daniel LaRusso
DOB: November 4, 1961.
Bio: Ralph Macchio became a pop culture icon with his breakout role as Daniel LaRusso in The Karate Kid (1984).
Known for his youthful sincerity and everyman charm, Macchio has sustained a long career across film, television, and stage.
His return to the role in Cobra Kai showcases his evolution as both actor and storyteller, bridging generations of fans.
Role: Daniel LaRusso is now a successful car dealership owner and the head sensei of Miyagi-Do Karate.
As a husband, father, and mentor, he struggles to uphold the teachings of Mr. Miyagi while facing new conflicts and old rivalries, especially with Johnny Lawrence and Cobra Kai’s resurgence.
Seasons & Episodes: S1–6 (65 eps).
What to Expect: A measured, emotional lead performance, Daniel brings restraint, doing most of his growing in quiet scenes between fights.
Interesting facts: Macchio was instrumental in maintaining Cobra Kai’s authentic connection to The Karate Kid legacy, often referencing his real-life bond with Pat Morita (Mr. Miyagi).
Notable Works: The Karate Kid trilogy, My Cousin Vinny, The Outsiders, Ugly Betty.
William Zabka as Johnny Lawrence
DOB: October 20, 1965.
Bio: William Zabka rose to fame in the 1980s as Johnny Lawrence, the swaggering karate antagonist of The Karate Kid (1984).
Decades later, Zabka reinvented his career by reprising the same role in Cobra Kai, this time with depth, humor, and heart.
An actor, writer, and producer, Zabka has earned acclaim for turning a onetime “villain” into one of TV’s most complex antiheroes.
Role: Johnny Lawrence is a down-on-his-luck handyman whose decision to reopen Cobra Kai sets off a chain of rivalries, redemptions, and rekindled philosophies.
He mentors a new generation of students, grapples with fatherhood, and struggles to reconcile his past failures with the man he wants to become.
Seasons & Episodes: S1–6 (65 eps).
What to Expect: Zabka nails comic timing and physicality while mining deeper regret and redemption.
Interesting facts: Zabka co-created Cobra Kai with an intent to explore Johnny’s untold story, redefining one of cinema’s most misunderstood characters.
Notable Works: The Karate Kid (1984), The Karate Kid Part II, Back to School.
Courtney Henggeler as Amanda LaRusso
DOB: December 11, 1978.
Bio: American actress best known for her sharp wit and grounded performances across television and film.
Before Cobra Kai, she appeared in numerous guest roles, including The Big Bang Theory (as Missy Cooper, Sheldon’s twin sister).
Role: Amanda LaRusso is Daniel’s wife and the matriarch of the LaRusso family.
She manages both their car dealership and family life with patience and pragmatism.
Often the voice of reason, Amanda mediates between Daniel’s obsession with karate rivalries and their family’s need for peace.
Seasons & Episodes: S1–6 (65 eps).
What to Expect: Wry, grounded scenes, Amanda’s quiet strength balances the show’s action.
Interesting facts: Henggeler’s role expanded significantly as the show evolved, with critics noting Amanda as the “heart of reason” in a world of flying kicks and teenage rivalries.
Notable Works: The Big Bang Theory, Mom, Fuller House.
Xolo Maridueña as Miguel Diaz
DOB: June 9, 2001.
Bio: Xolo Maridueña (full name Ramario Xolo Ramirez) is an American actor who first gained attention for his role as Victor Graham on Parenthood.
His breakout came with Cobra Kai, where he became the emotional centerpiece of the series.
Role: Miguel Diaz is the moral and emotional core of Cobra Kai, a kind, hardworking teenager who turns to karate for confidence and belonging.
Trained by Johnny Lawrence, he becomes a top fighter while struggling to stay true to his values amid rivalries, injuries, and complicated relationships.
Seasons & Episodes: S1–6 (65 eps).
What to Expect: Heartfelt performances that blend physical resilience with emotional honesty.
Interesting facts: Maridueña trained in multiple martial arts disciplines for authenticity and later made his superhero debut as Blue Beetle (2023), expanding his reputation as a rising star.
Notable Works: Blue Beetle, Parenthood.
Tanner Buchanan as Robby Keene
DOB: December 8, 1998.
Bio: American actor best known for portraying complex, emotionally charged characters.
Before Cobra Kai, he gained recognition for his roles in Designated Survivor and Girl Meets World.
With natural intensity and depth, Buchanan brings realism to conflicted young men trying to find their moral compass, earning praise for his dramatic range and physical dedication.
Role: Robby Keene is Johnny Lawrence’s estranged son, a talented yet emotionally wounded teen seeking belonging.
Torn between his father’s rough mentorship and Daniel LaRusso’s disciplined guidance, Robby’s journey explores forgiveness, identity, and the challenge of breaking free from old patterns.
Seasons & Episodes: S1–6 (65 eps).
What to Expect: Intense, conflicted acting and strong fight scenes; Robby is often the show’s most volatile teen.
Interesting facts: Buchanan underwent extensive martial arts and stunt training for authenticity.
He’s also appeared in romantic and dramatic roles that showcase his range, including Netflix’s He’s All That (2021).
Notable Works: Designated Survivor, He’s All That, The Fosters.
Mary Mouser as Samantha LaRusso
DOB: May 9, 1996.
Bio: American actress who began acting at a young age, appearing in television and voice roles before gaining prominence as Samantha LaRusso in Cobra Kai.
Known for her expressive performances, she balances emotional vulnerability with fierce determination, portraying young women caught between responsibility and self-discovery.
Role: Samantha “Sam” LaRusso is Daniel and Amanda’s daughter and a skilled martial artist raised under the Miyagi-Do philosophy.
Torn between her father’s teachings and the chaos of dojo rivalries, Sam’s journey explores confidence, friendship, rivalry, and identity.
Seasons & Episodes: S1–6 (65 eps).
What to Expect: Fiery scenes, competitive drive, and key moments that impact the teen ensemble.
Interesting facts: Mouser trained extensively in martial arts for authenticity.
She’s spoken openly about her Type 1 diabetes diagnosis, using her platform to advocate for awareness.
Notable Works: Body of Proof, Freakish, NCIS.
Jacob Bertrand as Eli “Hawk” Moskowitz
DOB: March 6, 2000.
Bio: American actor known for his natural humor, intensity, and physical commitment to roles.
Before Cobra Kai, he was recognized for his Disney XD series Kirby Buckets and various Nickelodeon projects.
Role: Eli “Hawk” Moskowitz begins as a shy, bullied teen who finds confidence after joining Cobra Kai.
His mohawk becomes a symbol of his newfound identity and aggression, but his journey also explores redemption and self-acceptance as he learns to reconcile confidence with compassion.
Seasons & Episodes: S1–6 (65 eps).
What to Expect: Bold, scene-stealing moments and surprising emotional beats; Bertrand became a fan favorite.
Interesting facts: Bertrand performed many of his own stunts and trained intensively in martial arts.
His chemistry with the young cast helped make the teen ensemble one of Cobra Kai’s strongest assets.
Notable Works: Kirby Buckets, Marvin Marvin, voice roles in The Legend of Korra and Rise of the Guardians.
Gianni DeCenzo as Demetri Alexopoulos
DOB: October 27, 2001.
Bio: American actor who began acting at a young age and built a reputation for his relatable, grounded performances.
Known for his sincerity and comedic charm, DeCenzo brings warmth and intelligence to Demetri, a role that perfectly fits his understated humor and natural delivery.
Role: Demetri Alexopoulos starts as a book-smart, sarcastic friend of Miguel and Eli, often reluctant to embrace the violence of dojo rivalries.
Over time, he grows more confident, learning karate to defend himself and stand up for what’s right.
Seasons & Episodes: S1–6 (58 eps).
What to Expect: Witty, heartfelt scenes and genuine friendship moments that balance the series’ intense rivalries.
Interesting facts: DeCenzo has spoken about his enjoyment of the show’s humor and camaraderie on set.
His comedic chemistry with Jacob Bertrand (Hawk) became a fan favorite.
Notable Works: 100 Things to Do Before High School, Fartcopter (short film).
Martin Kove as John Kreese
DOB: March 6, 1947.
Bio: American actor best known for originating the role of John Kreese in The Karate Kid trilogy (1984–1989).
With decades of film and television experience, Kove’s commanding screen presence and intensity have made him a fixture in action and drama genres.
Role: John Kreese is the original Cobra Kai sensei, unyielding, manipulative, and ruthless.
He reemerges to reclaim control of the dojo and revive his harsh “no mercy” ideology.
As the seasons unfold, Kreese becomes the central antagonist, manipulating students and rivals alike while revealing fragments of his tragic backstory that explain, but never excuse, his hardened worldview.
Seasons & Episodes: S1–6 (58 eps).
What to Expect: Menacing energy and a sense of cold discipline that often contrasts with Johnny’s more emotional teaching style.
Interesting facts: Kove’s return was one of the show’s biggest surprises in Season 1’s finale.
His son, Jesse Kove, also appears in flashback scenes portraying a young Kreese’s rival.
Notable Works: The Karate Kid trilogy, Rambo: First Blood Part II, Cagney & Lacey.
Peyton List as Tory Nichols
DOB: April 6, 1998.
Bio: American actress and model who began her career as a Disney Channel star before transitioning into more mature roles.
Best known for Jessie and Bunk’d, she gained wider recognition for her intense and emotionally charged performance as Tory Nichols in Cobra Kai.
Role: Tory Nichols is a fierce, hot-headed Cobra Kai student introduced in Season 2.
Coming from a rough background, she channels her struggles into fighting, quickly becoming one of the dojo’s strongest and most aggressive members.
Seasons & Episodes: S2–6 (49 eps).
What to Expect: Explosive fight scenes, raw emotion, and character growth that explores forgiveness and self-worth.
Interesting facts: List trained extensively in martial arts and stunt work for her fight scenes.
Her portrayal of Tory helped the series attract a younger, broader fanbase.
Notable Works: Jessie, Bunk’d, The Thinning, Paper Spiders.
Thomas Ian Griffith as Terry Silver
DOB: March 18, 1962.
Bio: American actor, martial artist, and writer who first gained fame as the suave yet ruthless villain Terry Silver in The Karate Kid Part III (1989).
With a background in Tae Kwon Do and theater, Griffith combines charisma, intelligence, and physical presence, making him a memorable on-screen antagonist.
Role: Terry Silver is the wealthy and manipulative co-founder of Cobra Kai.
Initially introduced as a charming benefactor, his ambition and ego soon twist into ruthless control and moral corruption.
Seasons & Episodes: S4–6 (21 eps).
What to Expect: A performance that mixes boardroom sophistication with old-school karate venom.
Interesting facts: Griffith’s martial arts background allowed him to perform most of his fight scenes.
His return was a major highlight for longtime fans of The Karate Kid franchise.
Notable Works: The Karate Kid Part III, Excessive Force, Timecop 2: The Berlin Decision.
Dallas Dupree Young as Kenny Payne
DOB: October 25, 2006.
Bio: American actor best known for bringing authenticity and emotional range to his roles at a young age.
Before joining Cobra Kai, he appeared in several popular series and films, quickly building a reputation for his natural charisma and maturity on screen.
Role: Kenny Payne joins the Cobra Kai universe as a kind-hearted, bullied middle schooler who turns to karate for self-confidence.
Initially mentored by Robby Keene, Kenny’s transformation from innocent newcomer to hardened competitor mirrors the moral conflicts at the show’s core.
Seasons & Episodes: S4–6 (32 eps).
What to Expect: Natural, buzzy scenes with comic relief and emotional moments.
Interesting facts: Dallas has cited Will Smith and Denzel Washington as acting inspirations.
He trained extensively for fight scenes despite joining the show with no martial arts background.
Notable Works: Cousins for Life, The Big Show Show, 1-800-Hot-Nite.
More Actors
Season 1 (2018)
• Annalisa Cochrane as Yasmine.
• Nichole Brown as Aisha Robinson.
• Vanessa Rubio as Carmen Diaz.
• Owen Morgan as Bert.
Season 2 (2019)
• Aedin Mincks as Mitch.
• Khalil Everage as Chris.
• Nathaniel Oh as Nathaniel.
• Paul Walter Hauser as Raymond.
Season 3 (2021)
• Yuji Okumoto as Chozen.
• Barrett Carnahan as Young Kreese.
• Okea Eme-Akwari as Shawn Payne.
• Nick Marini as Young Silver/Twig.
Season 4 (2021)
• Oona O’Brien as Devon Lee.
• Julia Macchio as Vanessa.
• Brock Duncan as Zack.
• Brian Troxell as Gavin.
Season 5 (2022)
• Carsten Norgaard as Gunther.
• Tyron Woodley as Sensei Odell/K.O.
• Sean Kanan as Mike Barnes.
• Owen Harn as Gabriel.
Season 6 (2024–2025)
• Lewis Tan as Sensei Wolf.
• Patrick Luwis as Axel.
• Brandon H. Lee as Kwon.
• David J. Kim as Yoon.
FAQ – Cobra Kai TV Series
What is Cobra Kai about?
A continuation of The Karate Kid films that follows Johnny Lawrence and Daniel LaRusso decades later as rival dojos and a new generation of students clash.
Are spinoffs possible?
Creators and cast have hinted about the broader Karate Kid universe continuing in other forms, and outlets report talks about potential spinoffs, though nothing concrete has been greenlit publicly. More on Hollywoodreporter
How many seasons and episodes are there?
The series ran 6 seasons and 65 episodes in total.
Is Cobra Kai faithful to the original Karate Kid movies?
Yes, it’s a direct sequel that frequently references and builds on characters, events and themes from the original films while introducing new storylines and characters.
Is the show finished / will there be a Season 7?
The show concluded with Season 6 (released in three parts), with the final episodes published in February 2025, there has been no Season 7 announced; creators and Netflix have discussed the franchise’s future (spinoffs have been mentioned).
Where can I watch Cobra Kai?
All seasons of Cobra Kai are available to stream on Netflix.
Conclusion
Cobra Kai proves that a great story can evolve across generations.
What started as a sequel to The Karate Kid has become a powerful tale of redemption, mentorship, and personal growth.
Each season adds something new, from intense dojo rivalries to heartfelt moments of forgiveness and friendship.
The mix of old and new characters keeps the show fresh, while its humor and emotional depth make it easy to connect with.
Whether you’re a longtime fan or just discovering the series, Cobra Kai reminds us that balance, discipline, and heart matter more than victory.
It’s one of Netflix’s best shows, packed with energy, nostalgia, and real-life lessons that stick with you long after the credits roll.