Netflix’s Best Cobra Kai Replacement Is Too Good To Ignore Forever

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Cobra Kai is truly special. It remarkably moved from being a YouTube series to a huge hit on Netflix, and it’s unusual to see a sequel actually surpass the original. While The Karate Kid remains a beloved classic, Cobra Kai is arguably better in almost every way – the fights are more exciting, and the characters are more complex. After six fantastic seasons, its departure has definitely left a void on Netflix’s featured content.

After the conclusion of Cobra Kai, it was clear there was still life in the Karate Kid series. Hollywood tried to revive the movies with Karate Kid: Legends, but the film made a strange choice: it referenced the 2010 reboot, which wasn’t well-received, and completely ignored Cobra Kai, even though the show was key to bringing Karate Kid back into the spotlight.

The recent series Karate Kid: Legends wasn’t very well-received, especially when compared to the popularity of Cobra Kai, and it doesn’t look like there will be a second season. This leaves the Karate Kid storyline without a new show, and Netflix still searching for another hit like Cobra Kai. The most logical fix? A Cobra Kai spin-off series.

It would be incredibly difficult for any other show to capture the same magic as Cobra Kai – its mix of 1980s nostalgia, high school life, and intense martial arts competitions. Because of this, Netflix likely sees expanding the Cobra Kai universe with new shows as the best way to keep the franchise going. Those involved are aware of this potential. In 2025, Cobra Kai producer Hayden Schlossberg stated they want to create spinoffs and are already discussing it with Netflix. Ralph Macchio added that they are “working on it,” though he didn’t share any details.

Everyone involved wants to continue the series, fans are eager for more, and the creative spark is still present. What’s lacking is official word on whether the statement “Cobra Kai never dies” meant the show would continue, or if it was just a memorable line.

Which Cobra Kai Spinoff Should Netflix Make First?

The final season of Cobra Kai hinted at several potential spinoffs. Notably, the show revealed a hidden side to Mr. Miyagi’s history, opening the door for a prequel series focused on his younger years. The introduction of Sensei Wolf and his dojo, the Iron Dragons, played by Lewis Tan, also left fans wanting to know more about his story and what happens next after his defeat. Finally, the season’s ending strongly suggested a new rivalry is developing between Anthony LaRusso and Kenny Payne, setting up a potential continuation of the classic “Daniel vs. Johnny” dynamic.

The very first project they should tackle is a prequel focusing on Mr. Miyagi. This story would be completely separate from the Cobra Kai series, taking place in a different time and with a more serious feel – offering a refreshing change of pace. Plus, Mr. Miyagi is such a beloved character that a movie about his past would attract a much larger audience than a spinoff centered on less prominent characters from later seasons of Cobra Kai.

As a huge fan of Cobra Kai, I’m really excited about what Netflix could do after the Miyagi show. They could explore Sensei Wolf’s story or focus on a new group of Cobra Kai students – it feels like a natural way to keep the franchise going, both honoring what we love about the originals and moving forward. Usually, stretching a series that’s been around for forty years makes me nervous about the quality, but the team behind Cobra Kai has shown they can pull it off. They’ve proven they know how to build on something beloved while still making it feel new and relevant for today’s audience.

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2026-05-22 23:09