5 Shows to watch if you like Cobra Kai

Cobra Kai is a martial arts comedy-drama series created by Jon Hurwitz, Josh Heald, and Hayden Schlossberg. It picks up 34 years after the events of The Karate Kid film series. The series premiered its first season in May 2018, its second season in April 2019, its third in January 2021, its fourth in December 2021, its fifth in September 2022, and its sixth in July 2024.

In Cobra Kai, William Zabka and Ralph Macchio reprise their roles (from the film series) as Johnny Lawrence and Daniel LaRusso, respectively. Other notable stars include Courtney Henggeler, Jacob Bertrand, and Thomas Ian Griffith, to name a few.

Netflix's official logline for the series reads:

"Bitter enemies. Warring dojos. New blood. Daniel and Johnny reignite old West Valley rivalries in this follow-up series to the "Karate Kid" films."

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Wu Assassins, GLOW, and other shows to watch after Cobra Kai

1) Kung Fu (2021-2023)

A still from the CW series Kung Fu (Image via X/@Kung Fu)

Kung Fu is a reboot of the eponymous 1972 series, which starred David Carradine as Kwai Chang Caine. In this reimagining of the story, however, the protagonist is a woman named Nicky Shen (Olivia Liang). She travels to China to train at the prestigious Shaolin monastery and uses her enhanced martial arts skills to protect her community in San Francisco from the dangerous crime syndicate called the Triad.

The series also features Vanessa Kai, Yvonne Chapman, Kheng Hua Tan, and Eddie Liu, to mention a few. If your love for martial arts drew you to Cobra Kai, this show will not disappoint.

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2) Panic (2021)

An image taken from the series Panic (Image via Instagram/@Paniconprime)

Inspired by Lauren Oliver's eponymous 2014 book, Panic focuses on 23 high school students competing in the annual Panic competition for a cash prize of $50,000. When the rules change suddenly in the middle of the competition, the teenagers find themselves battling it out for their lives - The Hunger Games style.

The teen drama features Olivia Welch, Jessica Sula, Mike Faist, Ray Nicholson, Camron Jones, and Enrique Murciano in the lead roles. Panic is reminiscent of Cobra Kai due to its underdog story involving teenagers determined to prove themselves.

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3) Kickin' It (2011-2015)

A still from the series Kickin' It (Image via Disney XD)

Created by Jim O'Doherty, the comedy series Kickin' It aired on Disney XD for 4 seasons from 2011 to 2015. It centers on a group of teenagers trying to save the failing Bobby Wasabi Martial Arts Academy by enlisting the help of Jack (Leo Howard). They learn important lessons on life and friendship under Jack's guidance while practicing karate in their local strip mall.

The series stars Dylan Riley Snyder, Mateo Arias, and Jason Earles, to mention a few. It offers a wholesome, light-hearted viewing experience for viewers who enjoyed the close friendships in Cobra Kai.

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4) Glow (2017-2019)

A still from the series Glow (Image via Facebook/@Glow)

The Netflix series is a fictionalized account of the real syndicated women's professional wrestling circuit. David McLane founded Gorgeous Ladies of Wrestling (or GLOW) in the 1980s.

The over-the-top series features Alison Brie (Ruth Wilder) and Betty Gilpin (Debbie Eagan) as two former actresses trying to make it big in wrestling. They are supported by Sydelle Noel, Britney Young, Marc Maron, and others. GLOW serves up a high dose of 1980s nostalgia, much like Cobra Kai.

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5) Wu Assassins (2019)

A still from the Netflix series Wu Assassins (Image via Netflix)

The supernatural action series Wu Assassins is created by John Wirth and Tony Krantz.

The life of a present-day Chinatown chef Kai Jin (Iko Uwais) gets turned upside down after he learns that he is the last member of a long line of Wu Assassins. As a result, he possesses the ancient powers called 'Wu Xing' and is destined to kill the five Wu Warlords, who threaten to destroy the world with their supernatural powers.

The series also features Byron Mann, Lawrence Kao, and Tommy Flanagan, among others. Wu Assassins offers an exciting balance between martial arts and superhero lore, making it an excellent choice for fans of Cobra Kai.

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All seasons of Cobra Kai are available to stream on Netflix.