I binge watched Cobra Kai (ie Karate Kid the series) over the weekend. This is how sequel/spin off should be done, WITH RESPECT. It is a great take on the characters 30 years after the movies, so we get to see old rivalries and new ones. Johnny and Daniel are not treated like some 2nd rate cameos, they are big parts of the show. Plus the show introduces new characters with personalities, whom audience can root for. Oh and the new characters are as diverse as they come, but the show does not beat over audience' heads with it
The show also has several callbacks to the original movies, some are obvious and others not so much. Most are used to move the story forward.
Is it perfect? No, but it is easier to overlook flaws when the show treats its characters and the audience with respect (unlike that other franchise from galaxy far far away ). Seriously, the new series can poke fun at the old movies (or even at itself), just do not poop on everyone's nostalgia.
Ep 1 & 2 are free, the rest needs subscription but you can cancel in 30 days if you choose to