‘Cobra Kai’s’ Pilot Was One of the Most-Watched YouTube Videos of 2018

Few can argue that when it comes to the most critically-acclaimed TV shows of 2018, YouTube Premium’s Cobra Kai is one of the best around.

The Billy Zabka/Ralph Macchio led Karate Kid revival earned critical and commercial acclaim on its way to a perfect 100% Tomatometer score on Rotten Tomatoes. We knew the series was popular, but we had no idea that the show was so well-regarded that it would end up on YouTube’s list of the top trending videos for 2018.

Joining buzzy 2018 luminaries like the Walmart yodeling kid and “Yanny or Laurel,” the Cobra Kai pilot was one of the most-watched YouTube videos of 2018. With over 51 million views and counting, Cobra Kai’s debut episode, “Ace Degenerate,” earned the eighth spot on the list, finishing behind “Portugal v Spain – 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia – MATCH 3” and “Build Swimming Pool Around Underground House.”

Kylie Jenner’s “To Our Daughter,” Dude Perfect’s “Real Life Trick Shots 2,” and Liza Koshy and David Dobrik’s “We Broke Up“ earned the top three spots, followed by the aforementioned Walmart yodeling kid and that whole Yanny/Laurel debacle. Remember Yanny and Laurel? That seems like it happened a decade ago. Simpler times.

Cobra Kai’s inclusion on the list is a boon to YouTube Premium’s burgeoning collection of original scripted content. The high view count may seem surprising, but it was boosted by the fact that the first two episodes of Cobra Kai are available to stream for free, while the rest of the series is behind the YouTube Premium paywall.

If you’re looking for a new show to enjoy over the holidays, YouTube Premium offers a free trial for first-time subscribers.

The ten-episode second season of Cobra Kai is scheduled to arrive on YouTube Premium in early 2019.

Where to stream Cobra Kai