On February 13, 2025, Netflix released the third and final part of the 6th season of Cobra Kai, marking the end of a seven-year journey for the popular sports drama series based on the 1980s hit movies, The Karate Kid. The show, a spin-off featuring the characters Daniel LaRusso and Johnny Lawrence, played by Ralph Macchio and William Zabka, provided a fresh take on their adult lives and reignited old rivalries.
In the original films, Daniel LaRusso rises from being the underdog to becoming the All Valley Karate Champion after defeating Johnny, the reigning champion from the Cobra Kai dojo. Fast forward to the events of Cobra Kai, and the two men have switched roles; Johnny is now a struggling middle-aged man battling alcoholism while Daniel has become a successful car dealership owner. After meeting a high school neighbor named Miguel Diaz, played by Xolo Maridueña, Johnny finds new purpose by reopening the Cobra Kai dojo, igniting rivalries anew.
As the series developed, it shifted its focus back and forth between Johnny and Daniel, while also introducing an array of new characters, including Mary Mouser as Daniel’s daughter Samantha, Tanner Buchanan as Johnny’s estranged son Robby Keene, and Peyton List as the fierce competitor Tory Nichols. Additionally, original characters John Kreese and Silver, played respectively by Martin Kove and Thomas Ian Griffith, provide continuity to the story.
The final season explores the much-anticipated Sekai Taikai, an international karate competition that brings together competitors from across the globe. This arc is packed with unpredictable twists and exciting character introductions, providing a thrilling finale for long-time fans and new viewers alike. Most notably, Miguel’s journey culminates in him winning the title of international male karate champion at the Sekai Taikai, reflecting his growth and showcasing the impact of Johnny’s mentorship.
However, while many viewers celebrated the spotlight returning to Miguel and his journey, the final season faced criticism for its handling of certain plotlines. An emotionally charged cliffhanger in part 2 saw the death of Kwon Jaesung, who played a formidable antagonist throughout the previous season. Fans noted that while this was a significant moment for a teenage character, the shift to a mature tone was not as thoroughly explored in part 3, leading to dissatisfaction among viewers. Many felt that the weight of this pivotal moment was eclipsed by disjointed executions in subsequent episodes.
Despite the uneven delivery of the final arc, Cobra Kai maintained a balance between sports action and character drama. The series intricately weaves romance and personal strife into its narrative, creating tension without overshadowing the primary focus on karate. An example of this is seen during the Sekai Taikai, where the rivalry between Robby and Tory escalates as they compete for different dojos, adding layers to their complex relationship.
The series has received high praise, with a rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars, and many viewers credit its well-choreographed fight scenes, strong character arcs, and effective storytelling as reasons why the show resonates so well. Through its engaging mix of nostalgia and contemporary themes, Cobra Kai delivers a powerful tribute to the legacy of the original Karate Kid films while creating its footprint in the landscape of modern television.
As the dust settles after its final episodes, the legacy of Cobra Kai undoubtedly leaves its mark on both nostalgia-driven audiences and new fans alike. All six seasons are now available for streaming on Netflix, presenting a complete journey for those who wish to witness how karate continues to evolve across generations.
