They’re both about a group of winsome teens and their parents.
They’re both obsessed with the 1980s and have fantastical elements.
And as of last weekend, they’re both on Netflix.
Netflix; Guy D’Alema/SONY
One show is better.
Yes, these are clearly fighting words.
Now, if we were judging solely by their respective first seasons, the verdict would be different.
The 2016 debut season ofStranger Thingswas better thanCobra Kai’s first year.
We also didn’t really want to see these kids traumatized again and again with more supernatural horror.
I was pretty sure my assessment was right at the time, and far more sure now.
Which probably makes you ask:Then what else is there?
What else is there to judge by?
It’s a strange, well, thing.
If this were a karate competition,Stranger Thingswould easily win on points.
That retro quality extends toCobra Kai’s value system, which in some respects is a downside.
(I mean, a show about dueling karate dojos should have at least one major Asian character.
No, throwing in more flashbacks to Mr. Miyagi do not count.)
Both shows are also action dramas to some extent, and it’s here whereCobra Kaiparticularly shines.
And maybe that’s the reasonCobra Kaiis better it’s truly fun.
Both shows are supposed to be, yet it’sCobra Kaithat seems to be enjoying itself.
And yet,Cobra Kai’s dramatic touches are often more powerful and less contrived as well.
