Cobra Kai’s first season now showing no mercy for free on YouTube

Last Updated on August 2, 2021

Ch-ch-ch-changes are coming to YouTube by way of the video platform's move to AVOD (ad-supported video on demand). To celebrate the change, YouTube is granting everyone access to the first season of COBRA KAI, the mega-popular TV series spinning out of THE KARATE KID franchise starring Ralph Macchio and William Zabka. Access to COBRA KAI's first season will only be available for a limited time, but hey, free is free!

The ability to watch the first season of COBRA KAI for free starts today, and will last until September 12. You'll have to endure some ads, but that's a small price to pay for having all ten episodes of the breakout series' debut season at your will and whim. As a way sweetening the pot, YouTube will unleash Season 2 episodes of COBRA KAI weekly beginning on September 11th. These episodes will also fall under the AVOD initiative and will include ads.

Created by Jon Hurwitz, Hayden Schlossberg, and Josh Heald, the first season of COBRA KAI was a major hit, and centered on a down-and-out Johnny Lawrence, who'd been looking to turn his life around by reintroducing the teachings of his old dojo, Cobra Kai. Upon inviting the next generation of would-be fighters to learn under his hardened rule, Johnny finds himself challenged by his old foe, Daniel Larusso, who still embraces the values taught to him by his late sensei, Mr. Miyagi.

Back in July, our own Editor-in-Chief Paul Shirey spoke with both William Zabka and Ralph Macchio about COBRA KAI, as well as what fans can expect when the show returns for its third season. You can check out our exclusive interviews with the COBRA KAI showrunners and cast here.

Be sure to check out COBRA KAI for free on YouTube today and get caught up before the third season strikes in the Spring of 2020.