Youtube Red’s web series Cobra Kai is officially moving to Netflix, says The Hollywood Reporter. This change comes after YouTube decided to stop producing original scripted programming available only to subscribers. It sold its other shows, too: Starz bought Step Up while Showtime picked On Becoming a God in Central Florida.
Set decades after the events of the original Karate Kid, Cobra Kai reunites Ralph Macchio’s Daniel LaRusso and William Zabka’s Johnny Lawrence. While Danny nowadays runs a successful car dealership, Johnny is a divorced father and an alcoholic. Yet, after preventing bullies from beating up Miguel (Xolo Maridueña), Johnny discovers purpose in life again by re-establishing the notorious Cobra Kai dojo to teach a new generation of kids karate.
Created by Josh Heald, Jon Hurwitz, and Hayden Schlossberg, Cobra Kai first aired on YouTube Red in 2018. Praised by fans and critics alike, the series both pokes fun at and celebrates the beloved 1984 movie. Cobra Kai aired for two seasons and was renewed for a third one when YouTube started shopping it around. Cobra Kai will undoubtedly fit among other similar niche-catering shows on Netflix and will find a new audience.