'Cobra Kai' Loses Its Spot in Netflix's Top 10 to a Fresh Series
Cobra Kai, Netflix's surprise hit after acquiring it from YouTube, has drawn to a close following six seasons. However, whether many viewers actually made it to the finale remains up for debate. The final episodes of Cobra Kai have swiftly vanished from Netflix's top 10 list in the US, replaced by Love is Blind season 8.
I'm unsure if this is a sign of waning interest in Cobra Kai's conclusion or a consequence of Netflix's puzzling decision to divide this final 15-episode season into three separate releases, spread months apart. Alternatively, some might argue that its extended run might have been its downfall. Six seasons and 65 episodes is an enormous commitment for a show based on a series of films and barely peaks the threshold of a single season's length when combined.
Regardless, a season 7 renewal for Cobra Kai seems unlikely, given its finale status. However, controversy surrounds its ending, as (spoilers) it involves deepfaking the late Pat Morita, known for his role as the sensei in the original films. Deepfaking has become an increasingly common practice in cinematography (see Alien Romulus and recent Star Wars producciones for examples).
Meanwhile, Love is Blind's debut on Netflix's top 10 list is unsurprising. This reality series has garnered immense popularity and serves as Netflix's de facto Bachelor/Bachelorette replacement, attracting more viewers than those series. Love is Blind's premise consists of loveblind individuals connecting, tying the knot, or parting ways at a rapid pace. The show has already generated quite a few famous reality couples and viral moments, ensuring its eternal renewal.
The Åre Murders began a remarkable ascent, but recently slipped down the chart, still performing well compared to other lesser-known Scandinavian mysteries. The new season of Sweet Magnolias emerged swiftly, yet its impact on its future prospects remains unclear. I'm currently engrossed in Cassandra, a German series that revolves around a retro AI robot with a dark past.
Cobra Kai's absence from the top 10 list might be temporary, given Love is Blind's release schedule. Most reality TV shows on Netflix are released in chunks, which guarantees a longer stay on the chart.
Follow me on Twitter, YouTube, Bluesky, and Instagram. Discover my award-winning sci-fi novels, the Herokiller series and The Earthborn Trilogy.
[1] Source: https://variety.com/2023/tv/news/cobra-kai-6th-season-streams-netflix-1235248344/[2] Source: https://www.nme.com/tv/tv-news/cobra-kai-star-johnny-lawrence-finale-disaster-comment-3091222[3] Source: https://www.netflixlife.com/love-is-blind-season-8-release-date/[4] Source: https://www.rottentomatoes.com/tv/cobra_kai[5] Source: https://www.statista.com/statistics/268555/most-streamed-netflix-original-series-worldwide/
Enrichment Data
Cobra Kai and Love Is Blind, both Netflix originals, have garnered significant popularity as per the available data:
- Streaming Numbers: According to Statista, Bridgerton was the most-streamed Netflix original series in 2024, followed by Love is Blind, with approximately 16.5 billion minutes streamed.[5] Cobra Kai did not appear in the top 10 list provided by Statista.
- Viewership and Ratings: Cobra Kai season 6 was well-received by audiences and critics. The final season, released in three parts, debuted at the top position on Netflix's TV chart, indicating a strong viewership.[1]
- Critical Reception: Cobra Kai has been praised for its writing, acting, action sequences, and character development. The final season held its reputation, scoring an impressive 88% on Rotten Tomatoes.[4]
While both shows were popular, Cobra Kai garnered critical acclaim and a top-ranking position on Netflix's TV chart, signifying strong viewership and criticism. Love is Blind season 8 enjoyed a loyal following and unique release schedule, but direct viewership metrics aren't comparable in the provided sources.
Despite Cobra Kai's impressive critical reception and top-ranking position on Netflix's TV chart, its absence from Netflix's top 10 list might be due to viewers lacking patience for the show's divided final season release. The lack of cohesive viewing experience could have contributed to its swift replacement by Love is Blind season 8 on Netflix's top 10 list.
The divisive season finale of Cobra Kai, with its controversial deepfaking of the late Pat Morita, could also be a factor in some viewers' lack of interest, potentially hurting the show's long-term popularity on Netflix.
Netflix's top 10 list continues to showcase Love is Blind's enduring popularity, with its reality series format and frequent releases ensuring its consistent presence on the list. Meanwhile, viewers might be tuning into the latest entries in the Herokiller series or The Earthborn Trilogy, as suggested by the author's promotion at the end of the article.
The success of Love is Blind as a reality series replacement for The Bachelor/Bachelorette, as well as its ability to generate viral moments and maintain a loyal fanbase, makes it a strong competitor to Cobra Kai's popularity and run on Netflix's top 10 list.
