38 years ago, The Karate Kid was released. At the time, the actors and producers had no idea how big the franchise would get. IMDb.com states, “Daniel (Ralph Macchio) moves to Southern California with his mother, Lucille (Randee Heller), but quickly finds himself the target of a group of bullies who study karate at the Cobra Kai dojo. Fortunately, Daniel befriends Mr. Miyagi (Noriyuki “Pat” Morita), an unassuming repairman who just happens to be a martial arts master himself. Miyagi takes Daniel under his wing, training him in a more compassionate form of karate and preparing him to compete against the brutal Cobra Kai.” 

The first movie was released Feb. 16, 1985, with The Karate Kid Part II following after June 20, 1986, and the final movie series starring Ralph Macchio The Karate Kid Part III was released June 30, 1989. The final two movies starred different actors, The Next Karate Kid starring Julie Pierce in 1994, The Karate Kid starring Jaden Smith in 2010. 

As years went on after the last movie, Macchio’s series grew more and more in popularity. Years after the release, Cobra Kai was released to Netflix. This show stars the original actors and actresses in Macchio’s series, including the next generation. According to IMDb.com “Thirty-four years after events of the 1984 All Valley Karate Tournament, a down-and-out Johnny Lawrence seeks redemption by reopening the infamous Cobra Kai dojo, reigniting his rivalry with a now-successful Daniel LaRusso.” A few people take action as the next generation, Mary Mouser – who plays Daniel LaRusso’s eldest daughter, Sam LaRusso – Griffin Santopietro – who plays Daniel LaRusso’s youngest son, Anthony LaRusso – and Tanner Buchanan – who plays Johnny Lawrence’s only son, Robby Keene. Other stars in the show include Xolo Maridueña, Miguel Diaz, Jacob Bertrand, Eli “Hawk” Moskowitz, Peyton List, Tory Nichols, and Gianni DeCenzo, Dimitri.

Running down the seasons of Cobra Kai, each has 10 episodes and the series finally released its fourth season Dec. 31, 2021. Junior Kiersten Wenzlick said, “the new season keeps making the series better. I like the action included in the show. I hope we get season five.” Luckily for Wenzlick, and others who are hoping the same thing, Cobra Kai is renewed for at least a fifth season by Netflix!