‘Cobra Kai’ season 4: Release date, trailer and everything we know about the Netflix series

Cobra Kai could have been little more than a nostalgia play by its creators looking to draw in fans of the original 1980s and early 90s Karate Kid movies, but instead Josh Heald took the story of Daniel LaRusso and Johnny Lawrence and put a subverted, humorous take on grown-men continuing a 30-year martial arts rivalry.

Originally created as a YouTube original, Cobra Kai has found its way to Netflix. Along the way, Cobra Kai has introduced viewers to new teen martial artists while also bringing back some favorites from the movies.

As we start to learn more about what to expect in its latest season, here’s everything we know about Cobra Kai season four.

What’s the plot of ‘Cobra Kai’?

It’s been more than 30 years since the 1984 All Valley Karate Tournament where Daniel LaRusso defeated Johnny Lawrence and others from the Cobra Kai dojo. Johnny is struggling, but after helping a kid from bullies, he is inspired to restart the Cobra Kai dojo. However, this reignites the rivalry between Johnny and Daniel, who is also teaching karate as he was taught by Mr. Miyagi. Eventually, Cobra Kai's original sensei, John Kreese, returns.

Beyond the two adults, Cobra Kai deals with a group of young martial artists, including Daniel’s daughter Samantha and Johnny’s estranged son Robby. 

SPOILER ALERT

At the end of season three, Johnny and Daniel have formed an unlikely alliance as they try to stop Kreese and his thuggish teachings at Cobra Kai. Kreese agrees that if their students can beat his in a tournament, he will leave for good. However, he doesn’t intend to go quietly and calls an old friend for some assistance, Karate Kid Part III villain Terry Silver.

Season four is expected to center around the All Valley Karate Tournament.

Who is in the ‘Cobra Kai’ cast?

Cobra Kai is a mix of original cast members from the Karate Kid films and a new group of teenagers. Here is the principle cast: 

• William Zabka - Johnny Lawrence
• Ralph Macchio - Daniel LaRusso 
• Mary Mouser - Samantha LaRusso 
• Tanner Buchanan - Robby Keene 
• Courtney Henggeler - Amanda LaRusso 
• Xolo Maridueña - Miguel Diaz 
• Jacob Bertrand - Hawk 
• Gianni DeCenzo - Demetri 
• Martin Kove - John Kreese 
• Peyton List - Tory Nichols 

Another original cast member from The Karate Kid movies will be making his debut on Cobra Kai. Thomas Ian Griffin will return as Terry Silver, getting his own teaser trailer to welcome him back. 

When is the ‘Cobra Kai’ season four release date?

Cobra Kai is going to be pulling double duty in 2021. After Cobra Kai season three dropped on Jan. 1 of this year, Netflix recently announced that Cobra Kai season four will be released on Dec. 31.

Expect the full season of Cobra Kai to be available immediately for your binging pleasure. While some streaming services have opted for weekly releases of new episodes, Netflix has stuck with the all-at-once strategy it has been employing since the beginning.

Is there a ‘Cobra Kai’ season four trailer?

We’ve gotten a couple of Cobra Kai teaser trailers thus far, that so far have reintroduced Terry Silver and hyped up the All Valley Karate Tournament, including many of the main characters in a kind of hype video.

But now, an official season 4 trailer has been released on social media, giving fans a proper look at what too expect. Bring it on!

How to catch up with ‘Cobra Kai’?

While Cobra Kai started out on YouTube, Netflix has fully taken over the series and has the entire three seasons available to watch right now. 

Of course, to start watching Cobra Kai (or anything) on Netflix, you first have to be a Netflix subscriber. A base Netflix subscription package is priced at $13.99 per month and gives you access to all the streaming service has to offer, from its original series and movies to its library of classic titles.

Also: What’s new on Netflix in August 2021

Is more 'Cobra Kai' on the way?

Cobra Kai fans can rejoice in the fact that we already know that there will be more martial arts action coming down the road after season four, as Netflix has already given a renewal for a fifth season of Cobra Kai. Obviously a long way from knowing any details about season five though.