After seven years, six seasons, two streaming services and 65 action-packed episodes, Netflix’s “Cobra Kai,” a spin-off of the “Karate Kid” movies, has come to an end.
As with anything, endings can be bittersweet. It’s incredible to see a show come to completion, but the iconic show is certainly going to leave a cobra-sized hole in many people’s hearts.
With the show over, what should be next on your watchlist? Based on each aspect of Cobra Kai, I’ve found a show that pairs perfectly with what you want to see.
If you liked the cheesy teen romance, try “The Summer I Turned Pretty.”
Where to watch: Amazon Prime Video
“The Summer I Turned Pretty” is the epitome of a cheesy summer romance. Was the drama of the Miguel-Robby-Sam love triangle everything to you? Just wait until you watch the Belly-Jeremy-Conrad drama go down.
“The Summer I Turned Pretty” is an adaptation of the book series by the same name, written by Jenny Han. The show follows teenager Isabel ‘Belly’ Conklin as she comes of age and finally becomes, well, pretty!
Set in a sleepy summer town and filled with romance, relationships, growth and change, “The Summer I Turned Pretty” is the perfect show to fill the desire for cheesy, cliché romance.
If you liked the fighting, try “Avatar: The Last Airbender”…
Where to watch: Netflix, YouTube, Apple TV, Paramount+, Amazon Prime Video and Fandango at Home
“Avatar: The Last Airbender” (ATLA) is an animated TV series that came out in 2005, featuring a world where people can manipulate, or “bend”, one of four elements: earth, air, fire and water.
Each type of bending is directly inspired by various forms of Chinese martial arts: Waterbending utilizes Tai Chi, earthbending uses Hung Gar, firebenders use Northern Shaolin, and Airbending uses Bagua.
The fight scenes in ATLA are incredible, and it is so interesting to watch the different forms of martial arts go against each other.
… or “Ninjago: Masters of Spinjitzu.”
Where to watch: Tubi, Netflix, Apple TV, Vix and Amazon Prime Video
Okay, okay, I’m sure you’re confused. How can a LEGO children’s show be anything like “Cobra Kai?” I’m asking you to hear me out.
“Ninjago: Masters of Spinjitzu” (Ninjago) focuses on a group of five ninjas – Cole, Zayn, Lloyd, Kai and Jay – as they fight against the evils that threaten their world.
Throughout the show, the ninjas utilize a make-believe form of martial arts known as “spinjitzu” and harness the natural elements to help them along their journey.
Between the martial arts and training in a dojo under Sensei Wu, there are many correlations that can be drawn between “Cobra Kai” and Ninjago. Call me crazy, but this children’s show can definitely fill the void of “Cobra Kai.”
If you liked the 80s nostalgia, try “Stranger Things.”
Where to watch: Netflix
“Stranger Things” has been an absolute phenomenon since it came out in 2016. It, like “Cobra Kai,” has absolutely capitalized on the 80s nostalgia.
If you haven’t heard of it, “Stranger Things” focuses on a group of kids trying to rescue their friend from this other dimension known as the Upside Down. With the addition of a new girl to the group with strange powers, the future of Hawkins, Indiana is up in the air.
“Stranger Things” is a love letter to the 1980s, much like “Cobra Kai,” and will definitely fill any itch for an 80s story.
If you liked the sports aspect, try “Ted Lasso.”
Where to watch: Apple TV and Amazon Prime Video
“Ted Lasso” is the pinnacle of a fantastic sports TV show. The show follows title character Ted Lasso, an American football coach, as he travels to England and coaches a soccer team.
“Ted Lasso,” like “Cobra Kai,” features teamwork, leadership and, of course, an amazing sports team. If you liked the team aspect of “Cobra Kai,” and the idea of a coach trying to work in a new environment, then “Ted Lasso” is the perfect show for you.
If you liked being kept on edge, try “Outer Banks.”
Where to watch: Netflix
“Cobra Kai” was incredible at keeping people on the edge of their seats, and it constantly had my heart racing throughout the series. If you loved that aspect of the show, then look no further than “Outer Banks.”
The first season of “Outer Banks” features teen John B and his ragtag group of friends exploring their home, the Outer Banks, in search of a treasure linked to John B’s missing father.
The show is full of twists and turns that will have anyone biting their fingernails in anticipation of what comes next.
If you liked the spin-off aspect, try “That 90s Show.”
Where to watch: Netflix
“Cobra Kai” is a spin-off of the legendary movie series, “The Karate Kid.” Much like “Cobra Kai,” “That 90s Show” is a spin-off of another icon, “That 70s Show.”
“That 90s Show” follows teen Leia Forman as she visits her grandparents in Point Place, Wisconsin. While there, she meets new friends and gets up to mischief.
With returning actors Kurtwood Smith (Red), Debra Jo Rupp (Kitty) and Laura Prepon (Donna), this show features much of the coziness and laughs that “That 70s Show” was filled with.
If you want a quick laugh, try season eight, episode 22 of “How I Met Your Mother.”
Where to watch: Netflix, Disney+, Fandango At Home, Hulu, Apple TV and Amazon Prime Video
While the whole series may not be directly related to “Cobra Kai,” this episode in particular features our favorite sensei.
Barney Stinson is getting married, so his friends gather together to throw him the best bachelor party – or not. I won’t spoil the ending, but the true Karate Kid gets a chance to shine in this episode.
And in case you haven’t seen it, try “The Karate Kid.”
Where to watch: Netflix, YouTube, Apple TV, Philo, Amazon Prime Video, Google Play Movies and Fandango At Home
If you haven’t watched any of the “Karate Kid” movies before watching “Cobra Kai” – there is no time like the present.
There is a reason these movies are iconic and led to “Cobra Kai” being created in the first place. The entire trilogy is worth a watch, and there’s no better place to start than at the very beginning.
