On February 13, 2025, Cobra Kai delivered its fans one last emotional punch. The cult series on Netflix, inspired by the Karate Kid saga, concluded after seven successful years with a final season full of twists and turns. Between heart-wrenching drama, bloody tournament, and unexpected engagements, this final chapter leaves a lasting impression. However, despite this conclusion, the Karate Kid universe is far from having said its last word.
A high-tension finale: drama at the Sekai Taikai
Season 6 of Cobra Kai was released in three parts. After the first batch in July 2024 and a second in November, the last five episodes arrived in February 2025, taking viewers to the heart of the Sekai Taikai tournament, the series’ climax.
The tournament, however, turned into a drama. Kwon Jae-Sung (Brandon H. Lee), a young prodigy of the Cobra Kai dojo, dies in a tragic accident, injuring himself with a blade meant for his opponent. This event disrupts the story’s balance and plunges Daniel LaRusso (Ralph Macchio) into deep turmoil. Memories of his master, the late Mr. Miyagi, resurface, forcing him to revisit the founding values of Miyagi-Do.
Tensions intensify as the characters try to overcome this collective trauma, oscillating between doubt, guilt, and the need for redemption.
Unexpected engagements: love beyond the screen
Beyond the drama on the tatami, a romantic surprise left a mark during the season 6 premiere, held in Los Angeles on February 12. Tanner Buchanan (aka Robby Keene) and Mary Mouser (Samantha LaRusso) announced their engagement, confirming the rumors that had been circulating for several months about their relationship.
"Yes, we are engaged," they announced, all smiles, under the photographers’ flashes, revealing their sparkling rings. This moment sparked a wave of enthusiastic reactions on social media, turning the evening into a true celebration.
This unexpected romance, born on set, also reflects the spirit of cohesion and friendship that has reigned within the cast since the beginning of the adventure.
Cobra Kai: a success beyond generations
Launched in 2018 on YouTube Red, Cobra Kai was saved from cancellation by Netflix in 2020. The platform allowed the series to reach a global audience and appeal to multiple generations. With its endearing characters and universal themes — social success, quest for identity, transmission, and redemption — the series managed to win over an audience far beyond just the nostalgic fans of the 1980s.
The creators Jon Hurwitz, Hayden Schlossberg, and Josh Heald successfully modernized the Karate Kid legacy without betraying it. The result? A delightful mix of action, humor, and drama, carried by a cast as talented as it is diverse. Xolo Maridueña (Miguel Diaz), Jacob Bertrand (Hawk), and Peyton Roi List (Tory Nichols) have become true stars thanks to their roles.
Ralph Macchio and William Zabka: battered heroes
At the center of Cobra Kai, Ralph Macchio (Daniel LaRusso) and William Zabka (Johnny Lawrence), iconic figures of the saga, shone with their portrayal of characters now adults but still haunted by the demons of the past.
Daniel, now a successful car salesman, tries to pass on the values of his master Miyagi. Meanwhile, Johnny, the eternal bad boy seeking redemption, tries to put order in his chaotic life by reopening the Cobra Kai dojo. Their evolution, marked by failure and resilience, offered the series an unexpected depth.
A well-executed ending, but a universe still open
While Cobra Kai ends here, the Karate Kid universe is not ready to disappear. The producers have already announced the launch of Karate Kid: Legends, a new film expected in May 2025, featuring Jackie Chan and Ralph Macchio. Other spin-offs are also being considered to delve into the stories of some secondary characters.
Fans are particularly hoping for the return of Julie Pierce, the heroine of the film The Next Karate Kid, played by Hilary Swank, whose appearance did not happen despite much speculation.
A cult series and an indelible legacy
With an average rating of 4.3/5 on AlloCiné and often rave reviews, Cobra Kai has established itself as one of Netflix‘s most popular series. Its successful marriage of nostalgia and modernity, intense fights, and universal themes have allowed it to reconcile first-hour fans and a new generation of viewers.
The announcement of Tanner Buchanan and Mary Mouser’s engagement is a strong symbol: that of a collective adventure marked by friendship and solidarity. Cobra Kai has managed to go beyond simple rivalry stories to offer a human, touching, and inspiring narrative.
The Cobra Kai spirit will endure
While the series is over, its legacy will remain etched in the history of cult series. As fans repeat: "Cobra Kai never dies". This mantra resonates as a promise. That of a universe still full of resources, ready to be reborn in other forms to continue to inspire future generations.
