Cobra Kai Final Season Review – Were Fans Happy?

The sixth and final season of Cobra Kai marks the end of a journey that began as a small nostalgic production and evolved into one of Netflix’s biggest hits.

With thrilling fights, dramatic twists, and a good dose of humor, the series managed to revive the magic of The Karate Kid for a new generation.

But did the farewell do justice to the legacy?

After the intense events of the Sekai Taikai, the global karate tournament, the fates of Johnny Lawrence (William Zabka), Daniel LaRusso (Ralph Macchio), and their students are at stake. With Terry Silver defeated and the Cobra Kai dojo dismantled, peace finally seems possible. However, a new enemy emerges: Sensei Wolf, a brutal and relentless fighter who promises to take karate to another level and restore Cobra Kai’s ruthless philosophy with even more violence.

Meanwhile, Johnny and Daniel must completely set aside their differences to train their students and prepare them for the biggest challenge of their lives. Miguel (Xolo Maridueña), Robby (Tanner Buchanan), and Hawk (Jacob Bertrand) fight to prove they are the best, while Samantha (Mary Mouser) and Tory (Peyton List) face their own personal dilemmas and question their paths in karate.

Throughout the episodes, old allies return and new alliances are formed, culminating in a breathtaking final showdown. The rivalry between Cobra Kai and Johnny and Daniel’s dojos reaches its peak, and the characters must decide, once and for all, what legacy they want to leave behind.

What started as an unexpected spin-off became a cultural phenomenon. Cobra Kai took the simple structure of the classic Karate Kid and expanded it, giving depth to characters that were once just archetypes.

The Evolution of the Characters

If in the early seasons we saw Johnny trying to reinvent himself and Daniel struggling to balance his life between business and karate, in the final season, both finally find their path—along with the young fighters.

Johnny Lawrence

At the beginning of the series, Johnny was a man stuck in the past, living off old glories and resentments. His Cobra Kai dojo started as a reflection of his outdated mentality, but over the series, he learned to be a true mentor and father. His relationship with Miguel and Robby was one of the biggest catalysts for this change. By the end of the series, Johnny is no longer just a tough sensei but someone who has finally found purpose and balance in his life, embracing both the past and the present.

Daniel LaRusso

At first, Daniel seemed to have won in life but was still living in the shadow of his rivalry with Johnny. His insistence on strictly following Miyagi’s teachings prevented him from seeing other perspectives. Over time, he learns to be more flexible and understands that balance comes from adaptation, not stubbornness. By the end, Daniel proves to be a more complete fighter who has finally learned to work with Johnny rather than against him.

Robby Keene

From the beginning of the series, Robby was torn between two conflicting father figures—Johnny and Daniel—and his troubled relationship with both shaped much of his journey. In the final season, he finally finds peace with himself, letting go of resentment and becoming one of the most balanced fighters in the series. His redemption arc transforms him not only into a formidable competitor but also into an older brother figure for Kenny, showing that his growth goes beyond the mat.

Miguel Diaz

Miguel started as a shy young man who found confidence and purpose in karate. His relationship with Johnny shaped him as both a fighter and a person. In the final season, Miguel is no longer just a promising student but a true leader who cares more about karate’s philosophy than competitions. He becomes a bridge between different groups and helps unite the dojos.

Hawk (Eli Moskowitz)

Hawk had one of the most intense trajectories in the series. Starting as an insecure kid, he became one of Cobra Kai’s most aggressive fighters before finally finding a middle ground. In the final season, Hawk shows maturity by letting go of his need to prove himself to others and becoming a competitor who fights for his own ideals, solidifying himself as one of the main champions.

Samantha LaRusso

Sam was always caught between different expectations—as Daniel’s daughter and as a fighter. Over the series, she faces her insecurities and pressures, becoming a well-rounded competitor. In the final season, she stops defining herself by rivalries and focuses on her own identity, playing a crucial role in uniting the dojos.

Tory Nichols

Tory started as an antagonist driven by anger and survival needs. However, her journey went beyond the rivalry with Sam. Upon realizing Terry Silver’s manipulations, Tory undergoes a major redemption arc, becoming an unexpected ally to her former rivals. Her fight for independence and justice makes her one of the most complex and interesting characters of the final season.

Kenny Payne

Introduced as a bullied kid, Kenny quickly rises within Cobra Kai, becoming a formidable fighter. However, his journey is marked by questionable decisions and the influence of the wrong mentors. In the final season, he faces a dilemma between proving his strength and finding his true identity, with Robby playing a key role in his change in perspective.

The young characters went beyond being mere karate students and became complex figures, each with their own arc of growth and maturity, making the final season even more meaningful.

The sixth and final season of Cobra Kai concluded the series in a grand way, maintaining a balance between nostalgia and innovation. The production delivered a satisfying conclusion for its characters, which was widely praised by both critics and audiences. However, some aspects sparked controversy, including the season’s structure and certain narrative choices.

Positive Points

Faithfulness to The Karate Kid Spirit

The series always knew how to balance nostalgia and innovation. The final season includes numerous references to the films but without becoming mere "fan service." The return of classic characters like Mike Barnes (Sean Kanan) and Chozen (Yuji Okumoto) was well integrated into the plot.

Well-Choreographed Fights

If there’s one thing Cobra Kai never disappoints in, it’s the fights. The choreography remains impressive, with intense action sequences that honor the spirit of the films.

Mix of Drama and Comedy

Humor has always been one of the series’ strong points, especially thanks to Johnny and his old-school way of seeing the world. The final season maintains this balance between emotional moments and hilarious scenes.

Negative Points

Season Splitting

Netflix’s decision to split the season into three parts frustrated fans. On Twitter, many viewers complained that the long gaps between releases disrupted the story’s flow, affecting immersion.

Predictable Arcs

While the series started with an innovative approach, many plots in the final season follow predictable patterns. Some rivalries resolve too quickly, and certain twists are easily anticipated by longtime viewers.

Cobra Kai delivers a farewell that honors the legacy of The Karate Kid, blending action, humor, and emotion in just the right amount. While it doesn’t escape some clichés and narrative stumbles, the series concludes its journey in a satisfying way, leaving a lasting impact on pop culture.

Whether this is truly the end or if we will see more stories from the Karate Kid universe, only time will tell. In fact, a new movie is coming soon!