Cobra Kai appears to be performing a trick so many other TV shows fail to get right. It is ending at the right time. After arriving out of nowhere on YouTube Red (remember that!?), it instantly became one of the most fun shows on television, elegantly layering in nostalgia while not being afraid to poke fun at itself.
As it re-introduced many characters from the franchise’s past, redeemed many, and tied up plot threads left hanging in the movies, it was the very definition of fun, easy viewing that you can let wash over you.
It was also successfully four quadrant, combining karate fights with soap opera and high school drama. You could watch it with your family and everyone could enjoy it.
But it does feel like it is the time to end it, and ending it they are.
The final season will be divided into three different parts consisting of five episodes each. The first five launch in just two weeks, on July 18th.
The second tranche will arrive on November 28th, before the third forms part of a special event in 2025.
The new season picks up with Cobra Kai eliminated from the Valley, and now the students and their teachers must decide if and how they will compete in the Sekai Taikai – the world championships of karate.
Cobra Kai is written by Josh Heald, Jon Hurwitz, and Hayden Schlossberg, who also executive produce the series alongside Will Smith, James Lassiter, Caleeb Pinkett, Susan Ekins, Ralph Macchio, and William Zabka.
Ralph Macchio, William Zabka, Martin Kove, Xolo Mariduena, Jacob Bertrand, Mary Mouser, Tanner Buchanan, Peyton List, and Gianni DeCenzo will all return.
When Cobra Kai wraps up, Macchio will reprise his role alongside Jackie Chan in the new Karate Kid film later in 2025.