The numbers are in and Cobra Kai continues to be a huge pop culture phenomenon that only continues to grow in popularity. Netflix has revealed that the Karate Kid sequel series is one of their top returning shows.
According to the streamer, via "Deadline", Cobra Kai is on its way to more than 41 million households having watched season 3 of the show in its first 28 days. Season 3 is the first to exclusively premiere on Netflix, after its initial two-season launch on YouTube, and this makes it one of the streamer's top ten returning original series. Season 3 of Cobra Kai launched on January 1, 2021.
Season 3 also has the distinction of reaching No.1 in 28 countries including the U.S., U.K., Argentina, Greece, and Sri Lanka. Netflix also discloses that, across all three seasons, 73 million households have watched an episode. The success of Cobra Kai really comes as no surprise. When the first two seasons debuted on Netflix in August, the series quickly became one of the streamer's most popular shows. Even though its reach on Netflix has certainly increased its exposure, Cobra Kai was successful on YouTube as well. The show broke viewing records on that platform with 55 million views for its opening episode.
Cobra Kai takes place over 30 years after the events of the 1984 All Valley Karate Tournament with the continuation of the inescapable conflict between Daniel LaRusso (Ralph Macchio) and Johnny Lawrence (William Zabka). The third season finds everyone reeling in the aftermath of the violent high school brawl between their dojos, which has left Miguel in a precarious condition. While Daniel searches for answers in his past and Johnny seeks redemption, Kreese further manipulates his vulnerable students with his own vision of dominance. The soul of the Valley is at stake, and the fate of every student and sensei hangs in the balance. The series also stars Courtney Henggeler, Xolo Maridueña, Tanner Buchanan, Mary Mouser, Jacob Bertrand, Gianni Decenzo, Vanessa Rubio, Peyton List, and Martin Kove.
The show currently holds a 95% fresh rating on Rotten Tomatoes and it seems to be a series that has a definite plan. Ralph Macchio, who plays Daniel LaRusso, recently said that the writers have the show planned out through season six and this is most likely why the show has maintained a solid quality thus far. The series, which has already been renewed for a fourth season, has also found the right balance of embracing nostalgia while also telling compelling stories with fresh characters for a new generation. It really is the perfect mix of the old and the new.
What are YOUR thoughts on season 3 of Cobra Kai?