When Cobra Kai was initially released in May 2018 on YouTube Red, no one could believe the success it would become. It had been decades since Karate Kid had ended, almost three to be exact. Besides a 2010 reboot film starring Jaden Smith, it seemed like all the stories had been told. However, that was not to be the case. Instead, creators Josh Heald, Jon Hurwitz, and Hayden Schlossberg returned with a story that reopened the book and re-ignited fandom for a tale of two dojos and their former star pupils.
When season one aired, it was impossible to predict what direction the creators would take Cobra Kai. However, as season one progressed, it was clear that this follow-up to the origin story was one of redemption. Audiences found an older Johnny still reeling from the impact of his final stand-off with Daniel. While on the other hand, a successful Russo lives a life of leisure, a byproduct of his successful bout against Johnny under the direction of Mr. Miyagi (Pat Morita). However, in this tale, misunderstood Johnny seeks to seize control of his life with the reopening of Cobra Kai.
Conversely, LaRusso's emotional wounds from the past remain raw and open, and he refuses to buy into Johnny's transformation. His response is to fire back with a reopening of Miyagi-Do. From start to finish, the drama runs on the all-out struggle between the former opponents, top representatives of their Dojos, and their offspring.
With one creative concept, Cobra Kai reinvigorated something and three other unforgettable seasons followed. After four seasons of the expressive drama, the show is set to return for a fifth, and here is everything we know about Cobra Kai season five.
Cobra Kai Season 4 Recap
In season four, the Cobra Kai Dojo took the championship by less than honorable means. Kreese found himself in a pickle due to his realigned partnership with Silver, who is ten times as shrewd and slimier than an eel. Johnny had lost control of his reconstructed Cobra Kai, now Eagle Fang. And it appeared he had hung up his sensei position for a bit.
But, on the positive side, he and his son seem to be working through their issues. Given the change in dynamic, LaRusso seeks out other means of partnership. Finally, Robby's eyes are opened after an attempt to extend a helping hand. Unfortunately, the young boy he helps has a much more lethal mindset than expected.
Cobra Kai Season 5: The Plot
Producer Josh Healdhad told Screen Rant:
"Season 5 is another enormous season with a lot of new flavors and a lot of things that you haven't seen before yet on the show."
And that's a statement fans can take to the bank. Based on what we know, fans can expect to see the next level of Terry Silver. Silver still has raging animosity towards Daniel LaRusso and has complete control of Cobra Kai.
Johnny is on a quest to intercept Miguel before he discovers his origins. However, there is no secret that Miguel's father is dangerous and knows nothing of Miguel. So, the interaction between Miguel, Johnny, and Miguel's father could prove interesting. Kreese is incarcerated. Although he is imprisoned, he's now got another ax to grind.
But he's nothing if not resourceful. So perhaps he will make major sinister moves from the inside, that is, if he doesn't manage to get himself released first. Kenny, Cobra Kai's newest recruit, could prove to be a beast. And now LaRusso has a weapon of his own with his realigned partnership with Chozen. So, in whatever way creators choose to progress the storyline, given what is known, it's bound to be intriguing.
Cobra Kai Season 5: The Cast
In a bit of good news, most of the cast is returning. Season five cast consists of Thomas Ian Griffith (Terry Silver), Martin Kove (John Kreese), Ralph Macchio (Daniel LaRusso), Xolo Maridueña (Miguel), Yuji Okumoto (Chozen), Tanner Buchanan (Robby Keene), William Zabka (Johnny Lawrence), and likely Dallas Dupree Young (Kenny).
Now, while the creators are known for introducing new characters, there is no definite news on who might be joining the cast in season five. However, the creators have teased a Hilary Swank appearance. And, fans haven't been disappointed in the past, so it's improbable they will be disappointed in this regard.
Release Date
Filming for season 5 of Cobra Kai wrapped in December of last year. Furthermore, the writers are still heavily invested and have made assurances this will not be the last fans will see of Cobra Kai. Heald told Screen Rant regarding plot progression:
"We have more beyond season 5. In our minds, it's crazy to believe how far ahead of the story we are than what the audience has seen so far."
Nevertheless, there are only a few more weeks left to wait for those more than anxious about what is explicitly ahead. Cobra Kai will return to Netflix on September 9, 2022.