YouTube original web series ‘Cobra Kai’ has officially moved from its home platform to Netflix, as per an official announcement.
Netflix will stream the first two seasons of the Sony Pictures Television comedy-drama later this year while a brand-new third season will also be launched at a date yet to be determined.
The web series is a sequel to Karate Kid (1984) and picks up decades after the film’s storyline.
The official description by Netflix reads:
“Cobra Kai takes place 30 years after the events of the 1984 All Valley Karate Tournament, where a now successful Daniel LaRusso (Ralph Macchio) struggles to maintain balance in his life without the guidance of Mr. Miyagi, and must face his previous adversary, down-and-out Johnny Lawrence (William Zabka), who seeks redemption by reopening the infamous Cobra Kai karate dojo.”
With this move, YouTube is officially out of the scripted content business, with Step Up and On Becoming a God already moved to Starz and Showtime respectively.
Netflix Vice President for Original Series Brian Wright said in a statement:
“The appeal of The Karate Kid saga is timeless, and Cobra Kai picks up right where it left off without missing a beat. The rivalry between Daniel and Johnny is one for the ages, and the show has a ton of heart and is a lot of fun. We can’t wait to introduce a new generation of fans to Cobra Kai and are thrilled to be its new home around the world.”
Talking about the shift, Sony Pictures Television President Jeff Frost stated:
“We are so proud of Cobra Kai and are overwhelmed by the massive fan response to the series. Josh, Jon, Hayden, Ralph, William and the entire cast have done such a brilliant job with this sensational series and the huge audience reaction and sentiment for it is a testament to that. We are very thankful to our partners at Netflix and couldn’t be more elated that they have become the new home for this epic saga.”
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