Cobra Kai

10 Best Episodes of Cobra Kai - Season 1

Discover the thrilling world of "Cobra Kai," the hit TV show that brings back the beloved characters from the iconic Karate Kid franchise. Set 30 years after the intense events of the All Valley Karate Tournament, the series follows Johnny Lawrence as he seeks redemption through reviving the infamous Cobra Kai karate dojo. This decision reignites his rivalry with Daniel LaRusso, who has been striving to uphold the teachings of his mentor Mr. Miyagi and maintain balance in his life.

With its captivating storyline and nostalgic callbacks to the original Karate Kid movies, "Cobra Kai" has garnered a loyal fan base since its debut on Netflix. The dynamic between Johnny and Daniel, played by the original actors William Zabka and Ralph Macchio, adds depth to the show as they navigate their complicated history and differing approaches to martial arts. As the series unfolds across its eight seasons, viewers are taken on a journey filled with action, drama, and unexpected twists that keep them eagerly tuning in for more.

Whether you're a longtime fan of the Karate Kid franchise or a newcomer to the world of martial arts dramas, "Cobra Kai" offers a blend of nostalgia and fresh storytelling that appeals to audiences of all ages. Dive into the gripping tale of redemption, rivalry, and self-discovery as Johnny and Daniel face off in epic karate showdowns while also grappling with personal challenges. Join us as we explore some of the best episodes of "Cobra Kai" that have captured the hearts of viewers and solidified its status as a must-watch series.

Written by Sophie and last updated on jul 26, 2024.

PS: The following content contains spoilers!

PPS: I will admit that parts of this page was written with the help of AI - it makes my work so much easier to not start from a blank page!

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Cobra Kai - S1E1

#10 - Ace Degenerate (Season 1 - Episode 1)

Thirty years after the events of the 1984 All Valley Karate Tournament, Johnny Lawrence’s life has taken a rocky turn as he tries to forget a past that constantly haunts him. He seeks redemption by reopening the infamous Cobra Kai karate dojo. But the LaRusso-Lawrence rivalry of yesteryear is reignited when their lives become intertwined with the next generation of “karate kids.”

The episode was rated 7.66 from 2935 votes.

Cobra Kai - S1E3

#9 - Esqueleto (Season 1 - Episode 3)

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Johnny tries to recruit more students to join the dojo. Troubled by his daughter’s friends, Daniel chaperones her high school costume dance. Johnny takes Miguel’s training seriously and starts creating a badass.

The episode was rated 7.68 from 2640 votes.

Cobra Kai - S1E2

#8 - Strike First (Season 1 - Episode 2)

Present day Daniel LaRusso lives a charmed life. That is, until he sees that the Cobra Kai dojo, the source of his teenage angst and rivalry, has been reestablished by Johnny Lawrence. Struggling to launch the business, Johnny starts teaching karate to his teenage neighbor Miguel. Daniel faces his former opponent and old offenses are quickly reignited.

The episode was rated 7.68 from 2459 votes.

Cobra Kai - S1E4

#7 - Cobra Kai Never Dies (Season 1 - Episode 4)

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When Daniel’s car dealership billboard is sprayed with lewd graffiti, it consumes Daniel and escalates tensions against a rival. Robby, Johnny’s delinquent son, is embarrassed about his father and his new dojo. The bullying escalates against Miguel and motivates Johnny in a surprising way.

The episode was rated 7.69 from 2458 votes.

Cobra Kai - S1E6

#6 - Quiver (Season 1 - Episode 6)

In the episode "Quiver" of Cobra Kai, Johnny's dojo class takes an unexpected turn as a group of misfits join in, adding a new dynamic to the mix. Meanwhile, Johnny's son Robby lands a new job, but his hidden agenda raises questions about his true intentions. On the other side, Samantha finds a new friend in her science class, bringing a fresh connection into her world.

The intricate character developments in this episode continue to captivate viewers, showcasing the multi-faceted nature of the characters in Cobra Kai. From Johnny's evolving persona to Robby's complex journey from troubled youth to motivated individual, the layers within each character make for compelling storytelling. The unexpected twists and turns keep audiences on their toes, eagerly awaiting what comes next.

With each episode, Cobra Kai continues to deliver surprises and engaging storylines, leaving fans craving for more. The unlikely alliances and newfound interests in karate, as inspired by Daniel, add depth to the narrative, proving that the show's ability to evolve and captivate its audience knows no bounds. As viewers cheer for Cobra Kai, the show's ability to defy expectations and draw in its audience remains a testament to its enduring appeal.

The episode was rated 7.85 from 2348 votes.

Cobra Kai - S1E8

#5 - Molting (Season 1 - Episode 8)

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In the episode "Molting" of Cobra Kai, Johnny steps up to prepare his students for the upcoming All Valley Karate Tournament, leading to a newfound inspiration to turn his life around. Meanwhile, Daniel remains oblivious to the background of his new pupil, creating an intriguing dynamic between the two karate dojos. Despite the passage of 30 years, tensions between Daniel and Johnny remain as intense as ever, adding a layer of nostalgia and rivalry to the storyline.

As the events unfold, viewers are drawn into a web of drama reminiscent of a modern-day Romeo & Juliet scenario, with conflicting loyalties and hidden agendas coming to light. The complexities of relationships and character dynamics keep the audience on the edge of their seats, wondering how each twist and turn will impact the future of the characters. While some may find the drama entertaining, others might feel the frustration of miscommunication and unresolved conflicts that could easily be resolved with a simple conversation.

While some viewers may find this episode predictable due to misunderstandings and conflicts, others appreciate the character development and moral lessons woven into the narrative. From the evolving dynamics between Johnny and his students to the influence of positive role models like Daniel and Carmen, the episode offers a mix of nostalgia, growth, and suspense. With memorable quotes and clever nods to the original Karate Kid movie, "Molting" sets the stage for further exploration of redemption, forgiveness, and the enduring legacy of the Cobra Kai saga.

The episode was rated 7.91 from 2286 votes.

Cobra Kai - S1E5

#4 - Counterbalance (Season 1 - Episode 5)

In the episode "Counterbalance" of Cobra Kai, tensions between Daniel and Johnny reach new heights as Daniel attempts to strike a shady deal to undermine Johnny’s dojo. The power struggle between the two dojos intensifies, leading to unexpected consequences for both senseis and their students. Meanwhile, Johnny works on expanding his enrollment ranks at the dojo, setting the stage for even more rivalry and drama to unfold.

As the episode progresses, Miguel, fueled by his karate practice, finds himself facing real-life challenges outside the dojo. On the other hand, Samantha grapples with rejection in school, adding a layer of emotional depth to her character's journey. The intertwining paths of these young karate students showcase the complexities of adolescence, friendship, and rivalry in the world of Cobra Kai.

Viewers are taken on a rollercoaster of emotions as alliances shift, betrayals unfold, and the characters face defining moments that shape their futures. From epic fights to heart-wrenching confrontations, "Counterbalance" delivers a mix of action, drama, and character development that keeps audiences on the edge of their seats. With each twist and turn, Cobra Kai continues to prove why it has captivated fans with its compelling storytelling and dynamic characters.

The episode was rated 7.94 from 2387 votes.

Cobra Kai - S1E7

#3 - All Valley (Season 1 - Episode 7)

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In the episode "All Valley" of Cobra Kai, we see Daniel stepping into the role of a mentor, channeling the unconventional teaching methods he learned from Mr. Miyagi. As he guides his new pupil, viewers are taken on a journey of self-discovery and growth, reminiscent of the wisdom passed down through generations.

Meanwhile, Robby is faced with a tempting choice that could lead him back to his troubled past. Will he succumb to old habits, or will he find the strength to forge a new path for himself? The internal struggle adds a layer of complexity to his character, keeping fans on the edge of their seats.

On the other side, Johnny lends a helping hand to Miguel as he navigates the ups and downs of his first date. The dynamic between mentor and student is further explored, blurring the lines between good and bad influences. With each character facing their own challenges, "All Valley" sets the stage for revelations and growth, making it a must-watch episode for fans of the show.

The episode was rated 7.95 from 2306 votes.

Cobra Kai - S1E9

#2 - Different But Same (Season 1 - Episode 9)

In the episode "Different But Same" of Cobra Kai, tensions rise as Johnny confronts Daniel about the assault on his property, leading to a long-overdue heart-to-heart between the two. Despite their efforts to move forward, past grievances resurface, creating a complex dynamic between the former rivals. The episode delves into the intricacies of their relationship, offering viewers a deeper insight into their shared history.

Meanwhile, Miguel begins to suspect that Samantha is keeping secrets from him, adding a layer of intrigue to the unfolding drama. As the dojo students take on the popular kids at a party, the power dynamics shift, leading to confrontations and unexpected alliances. The episode explores themes of loyalty, deception, and the complexities of teenage relationships in a high-stakes setting.

Viewers are taken on an emotional rollercoaster as the characters navigate through a web of lies, misunderstandings, and conflicting loyalties. As the episode unfolds, the drama escalates, leaving fans on the edge of their seats. With stellar performances from the cast and a dynamic storyline, "Different But Same" delivers a compelling mix of angst, excitement, and unexpected twists that keep audiences hooked from start to finish.

The episode was rated 8.02 from 2284 votes.

Cobra Kai - S1E10

#1 - Mercy (Season 1 - Episode 10)

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In the electrifying episode "Mercy" of Cobra Kai, the tension between Johnny and Daniel reaches its peak at the All Valley Karate Tournament. The stage is set for a showdown between the new generation of karate students, with Johnny's aggressive teaching style and Daniel's more traditional Miyagi-Do methods clashing in a battle for victory. As the stakes get higher, the question looms: who will ultimately pay the price for success in the ring?

Viewers were left on the edge of their seats as the tournament unfolded, with emotions running high and alliances tested. From heartwarming moments like Daniel's unexpected support for Robby to shocking twists like Hawk's disqualification for a dishonorable move, every scene kept fans glued to their screens. The finale delivered a rollercoaster of emotions, leaving fans both satisfied and hungry for more.

With the dramatic return of Kreese and the unresolved arcs of characters like Miguel, the stage is set for an even more thrilling second season. As the lines between right and wrong blur, viewers are left wondering whose side they should be on in the upcoming episodes. Cobra Kai continues to deliver the perfect blend of nostalgia, action, and drama that keeps audiences coming back for more.

The episode was rated 8.33 from 2247 votes.

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