Returns

Cobra Kai, the continuation of the Karate Kid film franchise comes to YouTube Premium.

With so many streaming services, it is hard to know which one to choose. Each service is rushing to release a fire hose of new original content to attract new viewers. The recently released in Canada YouTube Premium (Formally YouTube Red), not known for its original content, is trying to change that perception by publishing its own unique content. Cobra Kai is YouTube’s latest original content. Cobra Kai is a 30-minute streaming series based on the original Karate Kid film franchise of the 80s.

Cobra Kai has quickly become YouTube’s cornerstone series to attract new subscribers. The series first released on May 2 with limited distribution outside the US is now available in Canada as part of YouTube Premium. The first episode quickly hit 30 million views and high praise from critics and viewers achieving an average Tomatometer of 100%. There was little doubt that the series would be picked up for a second season. Just eight days after season one was released, YouTube made it official on May 10.  Fans will have to wait until 2019 to catch season 2.

The series picks up exactly 34 years after the events of the original Karate Kid movie. As a fan of the original film, I was quickly drawn in. I went into the first episode not knowing anything about the new series upon discovering the trailer. Thinking at first it was a fan trailer. The series, all at once hits all the nostalgic notes while still feeling contemporary and relevant. The writers poke fun at some of the original cheesy elements of the films but does it with great care and respect for the original.

Ralph Macchio returns as Daniel LaRusso, William Zabka also returns as Johnny Lawrence.

William Zabka where have you been?

William Zabka’s performance as Johnny Lawerence will leave you wondering why we have not seen more from this talented actor over the last 34 years. The expertly filmed and written series brings greater depth and humanity to the core characters while introducing complex new characters. Each 30-minute episode leaves you wanting more.

Finally, Cobra Kai may well be the best revival series to come along in a long time. If you were a fan of the original films – or nostalgic about the 80s – you will find something to love in this new series.

Anyone can watch the first 2 episodes of this 10 episode series for free on YouTube without a subscription to the premium service, but you will want to sign up to see the rest.

Have you seen the new series? Let us know what you think in the comments below.

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