Georgia Entertainment Scene
Georgia Entertainment Scene

'Karate Kid' TV sequel 'Cobra Kai' on YouTube Red comes to Atlanta

Ralph Macchio and William Zabka are back in a "Karate Kid" TV sequel more than 30 years later.

Credit: Rodney Ho

Credit: Rodney Ho

Ralph Macchio and William Zabka are back in a "Karate Kid" TV sequel more than 30 years later.
By
Sept 9, 2017

This was posted on Saturday, September 9, 2017 by RODNEY HO/rho@ajc.com on his AJC Radio & TV Talk blog

The dojo is back!

Ralph Macchio and William Zabka, stars of the classic 1984 film "The Karate Kid,"  are reprising their roles as underdog Daniel LaRusso (Macchio) and bully Johnny Lawrence (Zabka) in a 10-episode comedy series called "Cobra Kai" for YouTube Red, the paid subscription service.

It is going to be produced in metro Atlanta, joining fellow YouTube Red series "Step Up: High Water," which just wrapped on Friday.

According to the Hollywood Reporter, the show will debut in 2018.

The premise? Down-and-out Johnny who, seeking redemption, reopens the infamous Cobra Kai dojo. This reignites his rivalry with a now-successful Daniel, who is struggling now that his mentor, Mr. Miyagi (the late Pat Morita), is gone. The half-hour comedy follows the duo addressing demons from their past and present frustrations — through karate.

BEVERLY HILLS, CA - AUGUST 04: Actors Ralph Macchio (L) and William Zabka of 'Cobra Kai' speak onstage during the YouTube Red Originals Presentation portion of the 2017 Summer Television Critics Association Press Tour at The Beverly Hilton Hotel on August 4, 2017 in Beverly Hills, California. (Photo by Frederick M. Brown/Getty Images)

Credit: Rodney Ho

icon to expand image

Credit: Rodney Ho

About the Author

Rodney Ho writes about entertainment for The Atlanta Journal-Constitution including TV, radio, film, comedy and all things in between. A native New Yorker, he has covered education at The Virginian-Pilot, small business for The Wall Street Journal and a host of beats at the AJC over 20-plus years. He loves tennis, pop culture & seeing live events.

Follow Rodney Ho on facebookFollow Rodney Ho on twitter
More Stories

Keep Reading

Rachel Platten last year released the independent album "I Am Rachel Platten," which addresses her battle with postpartum depression. She will be perform at the Masquerade in Atlanta on May 6, 2025. (Courtesy via Associated Press)

Credit: AP/PUBLICITY

After success of ‘Fight Song’, Rachel Platten looks inward for inspiration

Rachel Platten's newest music finds inspiration from her struggles with postpartum depression, the pandemic and trying to follow up on the success of her 2015 hit 'Fight Song'

‘Mirth & Mischief’ immerses itself at real castle in Helen

There will be a blend of interactive games, shows and other spectacles, including fairies, puppets, aerialists, vendors, a tarot card reader and a body painter.

Avengers disassemble: Marvel ends Georgia filming streak with ‘Thunderbolts’

"Thunderbolts" will be the last Marvel movie to be shot in Georgia for the time being. Marvel currently has no upcoming films committed to shoot in Georgia, preferring London.

The Latest

Will Packer at the premiere of "Fight Night: The Million Dollar Heist" at Jazz at Lincoln Center in 2024. (Photo by Charles Sykes/Invision/AP)

Credit: Charles Sykes/Invision/AP

‘Ride Along’ producer Will Packer promotes ‘healthy arrogance’ in new book

Check out three new reality shows with Atlanta ties

For character actor French Stewart, Atlanta has become home

Featured

A new poll from The Atlanta Journal-Constitution explored what Georgians thought about the first 100 days in office of President Donald Trump’s second term. Photo illustration by Philip Robibero/AJC

Credit: Philip Robibero/AJC

Interactive: What Georgia voters think about Donald Trump’s first 100 days, the issues and 2026 election

Explore the AJC's interactive poll results to see how Georgians' opinions differ about politics based on their gender, age, race, education, income and political leaning.

Dickens administration aims to wipe out $33M deficit before budget cycle begins

According to the mayor’s office, the original $33 million deficit — about 3% of last year’s general fund budget — has already been reduced by half.

Gwinnett judge won’t apply Kemp’s new lawsuit limits to landmark trial

The judge overseeing a landmark trial in Gwinnett County refused to apply Gov. Brian Kemp’s new lawsuit-limiting legislation to the case.