Social media posts from Cobra Kai co-creator/showrunner Jon Hurwitz suggest that the show will continue beyond season 5. Cobra Kai has taken the world by storm since its launch in 2018, garnering critical acclaim and setting high viewership numbers for YouTube and Netflix. The show's initial premise explored the events of The Karate Kid from Johnny Lawrence's perspective but has expanded drastically in later seasons, introducing new characters and storylines while simultaneously honoring the existing lore of the Miyagi Verse. Cobra Kai Season 5 releases on Netflix on September 9 and promises to be another wild, action-packed season.
The Miyagi-Verse currently comprises four films, the non-cannon Karate Kid animated series and Cobra Kai, which is now into its fifth season. The question on everyone's mind is how much longer can the show run? While Cobra Kai season 6 has yet to be greenlit by Netflix, showrunners Josh Heald and Jon Hurwitz have stated in previous interviews that there are plans for the show beyond season 5. Hurwitz has previously said that the creative team behind the show would want at least six seasons to conclude Cobra Kai. While plans are still tentative, Hurwitz's recent social media posts have clarified the show's future.
Cobra Kai season 5 co-showrunner Jon Hurwitz replied to several posts concerning Cobra Kai Season 6 and beyond. Hurwitz responded to the first post by stating that fans could expect more Cobra Kai in the future and suggested that the Miyagi Verse was "far from finished." In the second post, the showrunner clarified his previous remarks stating that he had been misquoted and reiterated that the creative team had hoped for at least six seasons of Cobra Kai. Read his responses below:
Hurwitz seems confident about the franchise's future after Cobra Kai season 5. While this is not an official confirmation Netflix will greenlight Cobra Kai season 6, it is nonetheless a positive and promising sign. Given the show's popularity and high streaming numbers, it makes sense that Netflix would want to renew it, especially when the streamer faces increased competition from rival streamers such as Disney+, HBO Max, Amazon Prime, and Paramount +. Showrunners Hurwitz and Heald have continued to up the ante with every new season of Cobra Kai. Their collective reverence for the original Karate Kid films has undeniably influenced the show's success, thus making it likely that Netflix would greenlight more seasons and continue their relationship with Hurwitz and Heald.
Where does the story go after Cobra Kai season 5? While details have been scarce, it has been suggested that the show could bring back Mike Barnes, who served as Daniel LaRusso's main rival in Karate Kid III. Rumors have also circulated about the return of Hilary Swank's Julie Pierce, the protagonist of The Next Karate Kid, and Mr. Miyagi's second prized student after Daniel. It remains to be seen what Hurwitz and Heald have planned for Cobra Kai beyond season 5, but audiences won't have to wait too long as Cobra Kai season 5 is a little over a month away.