Interview: Ralph Macchio on the slow burn success of ‘Cobra Kai’ [VIDEO]

After three highly successful seasons on Netflix, bringing hordes of new fans and an entire new generation to the lore of Daniel LaRusso, Cobra Kai proves that sometimes you can go home again. 

For Ralph Macchio, who stepped back into LaRusso’s shoes for the series almost 30 years after The Karate Kid III, the entire experience has been a nostalgic dream. Reunited with William Zabka, whose character of Johnny Lawrence appeared in the first two Karate Kid films, and other familiar faces along the way, Cobra Kai has managed to do what many other attempted reboots have failed to do: succeed.

Daniel Trainor spoke to Macchio about the deliberate patience that the show employs, filming in Japan for Season 3, why he loves Ozark and what to expect from the recently-completed Season 4.

All three seasons of Cobra Kai are available on Netflix. Ralph Macchio is eligible for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Comedy Series for season 3.

Photo: Tina Rowden/Netflix

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Daniel Trainor

Daniel Trainor is writer, podcaster, son and friend from Los Angeles, California. Originally from Michigan, his love for all things pop culture started early, once using pancakes to bribe his way onto the Oscars red carpet bleachers with his mother. In addition to writing for AwardsWatch, he is an huge sports fan and hosts the LGBTQ sports podcast “Same Team.” One day, he hopes Jane Krakowski will win an Emmy.

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