Why Cobra Kai Is The TV Show You Need In Your Life Right Now

by Michael Sidgwick
Karate Kid
Columbia Pictures

This is going to read as corny, but what better subject matter to warrant it: whether these connections are realised, in crisis, or elusive, they all form beautiful symbiotic relationships from which we can all learn something. When Johnny and Daniel quietly and tentatively rock out to REO Speedwagon, a sense of joy, even hope, radiates from the screen.

Even if it's just Hollywood bullsh*t, it's effective Hollywood bullsh*t. Cobra Kai isn't going to change a thing. It seems like nothing will. But, amid wave upon wave of trauma, little else is engineered so perfectly to enhance one's mood. In a world from which there is no escape, Cobra Kai allows it in 30 minute bursts of glow.

The Karate Kid felt even more corny, as the years wore on, because its unabashed hope receded further and further into view. It was almost an artefact.

Cobra Kai somehow contrives to restore it.

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Contributor
Contributor

Michael Sidgwick is an editor, writer and podcaster for WhatCulture Wrestling. With over seven years of experience in wrestling analysis, Michael was published in the influential institution that was Power Slam magazine, and specialises in providing insights into All Elite Wrestling - so much so that he wrote a book about the subject. You can order Becoming All Elite: The Rise Of AEW on Amazon. Possessing a deep knowledge also of WWE, WCW, ECW and New Japan Pro Wrestling, Michael’s work has been publicly praised by former AEW World Champions Kenny Omega and MJF, and current Undisputed WWE Champion Cody Rhodes. When he isn’t putting your finger on why things are the way they are in the endlessly fascinating world of professional wrestling, Michael wraps his own around a hand grinder to explore the world of specialty coffee. Follow Michael on X (formerly known as Twitter) @MSidgwick for more!