Cobra Kai (2018) is a highly successful and critically acclaimed martial arts comedy-drama series that serves as a continuation of the iconic Karate Kid film franchise. Developed by Josh Heald, Jon Hurwitz, and Hayden Schlossberg, the series brings back beloved characters from the original Karate Kid films while introducing new ones, blending nostalgia with fresh storytelling.

Set 34 years after the events of The Karate Kid (1984), Cobra Kai follows Johnny Lawrence (played by William Zabka), the former high school bully and antagonist from the original film, who has fallen on hard times. He is living a down-and-out life, struggling with personal issues and feeling stuck in the past. His life takes a turn when he decides to reopen the Cobra Kai dojo, reigniting his old rivalry with Daniel LaRusso (Ralph Macchio), his former foe and now a successful car dealership owner.

However, the show flips the original Karate Kid story on its head by portraying Johnny in a more sympathetic light. While he still has a lot of the same characteristics that made him a villain in the original film, Cobra Kai explores his struggles with identity, redemption, and his attempt to pass on his martial arts teachings to a new generation of kids, many of whom are in need of guidance.