Honestly, if you’ve spent any time in the Cobra Kai fandom over the last few years, you’ve probably felt like a bit of a detective. Everyone saw the looks. The chemistry between Samantha LaRusso and Robby Keene wasn't just good acting—it was electric. But for the longest time, Mary Mouser and Tanner Buchanan played it cool. They were "besties." They were "ride-or-dies." They were just two people who happened to dress up as Kim Possible and Ron Stoppable for Halloween because they were such good friends.
Then came February 2025.
The Cobra Kai series finale premiere in Los Angeles wasn't just a goodbye to the show; it was a massive "hard launch" that caught almost everyone off guard. They didn’t just walk the red carpet together. They showed up flashing matching engagement rings. Yeah, you read that right. Tanner, whose heritage is part Filipino, even wore an engagement ring himself—a nod to the cultural tradition where men wear them too. It wasn't just a relationship reveal; it was a full-blown "we’re getting married" moment that basically broke the Netflix corner of the internet.
The Secret History of Mary Mouser and Tanner Buchanan
It’s kinda wild to think they met all the way back in October 2017. When they started filming the first season of Cobra Kai in Atlanta, they were basically kids. Mary was 21, Tanner was about 18. They weren't even a romantic pairing on screen back then. While the world was busy shipping Sam and Miguel, Mary and Tanner were busy becoming inseparable behind the scenes.
Mary has always been open about how much the cast feels like a family. She’s dealt with Type 1 Diabetes since she was a teen, and she’s mentioned in interviews how supportive the set was. But Tanner? He was different. He became her "hundred percent" confidant.
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Why did they wait so long to go public?
People always ask why they kept it a secret for years. The truth is, they weren't necessarily "hiding," they were just being private. There’s a big difference. In a joint Instagram post, they admitted they’re "partial to having our private moments." It’s tough to date in the spotlight, especially when your characters have a complicated, on-again-off-again relationship on a hit show.
- The Friendship Barrier: Tanner once told Interview Magazine that their first on-screen kiss in Season 2 was actually terrifying. Why? Because they were such good friends. His heart was pounding, and he was shaking. It felt "weird" to go to that romantic place with someone who was his best friend.
- Timing: Tanner was previously in a long-term relationship with Gen V actress Lizze Broadway. It wasn't until around 2022 that fans started noticing things shifting between him and Mary.
- The "Bestie" Cover: They used the "best friend" label as a shield. Mary’s 2019 birthday post for Tanner is famous now. She called him a "beautiful soul" and thanked him for "made-up holidays" they created just to party together. It was hiding in plain sight.
What Really Happened with the Proposal?
This is the part that sounds like a rom-com script, but it’s 100% real. Most people think the guy just picks a ring and drops to one knee. Not here.
At PaleyFest LA in 2025, they spilled the tea on how chaotic the engagement actually was. Tanner had been planning to propose for months. He was "extremely nervous." But Mary—being Mary—had the exact same idea. She had actually ordered a custom engagement ring for Tanner from his favorite jeweler in Italy.
She thought she had all the time in the world. Then, a week before her ring for him was even ready, Tanner popped the question. Her response? She reportedly called him a "jerk" (affectionately, of course) because he beat her to the punch. It’s those little details that make them feel like a real couple and not just a PR stunt.
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The Ring Controversy (That Wasn't)
When they first hit the red carpet with rings, some people on Reddit and Twitter were confused. "Why does Tanner have a ring?" "Are they already married?"
It turns out Tanner had always felt it was weird that only women wore engagement rings. He wanted one. Plus, the nod to his mother's Filipino culture made it deeply personal. It wasn't "Gen Z crap," as some grumpy commenters suggested. It was a choice rooted in his identity and his relationship.
Life After the Dojo
The show is over. The Gis are packed away. So, what now for Mary Mouser and Tanner Buchanan?
In 2026, they are still very much the "it" couple of the Netflix alumni circuit. Mary has expressed interest in doing superhero movies or even moving behind the camera to produce. Tanner, the former tap-dancing kid from Ohio, is still one of the most dedicated actors in the game, often credited for his insane work ethic.
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They’ve moved past the "Sam and Robby" labels. They’re just Mary and Tanner now.
How to Keep Up With Them (Actionable Steps)
If you're looking to follow their journey without falling for clickbait or fake news, here is what you actually need to do:
- Watch the YouTube Vlogs: Mary has a YouTube channel where she’s historically shared behind-the-scenes life. While she’s more private now, her older videos with Tanner give you the best look at their genuine, unscripted chemistry.
- Check Official Sources: Don't trust every TikTok "leak." Stick to their verified Instagrams or major trades like Variety or The Hollywood Reporter for actual career news.
- Look for PaleyFest Transcripts: If you want the deep-dive stories about their proposal and life together, the 2025 PaleyFest interviews are the "Gold Standard" for real quotes.
- Support Their New Projects: Both have mentioned wanting to branch out. Keep an eye on indie film circuits where they are likely to take "prestige" roles to distance themselves from their teen drama roots.
They’ve proven that you can find real love in the middle of a high-pressure Hollywood production. It just took six seasons, a few karate kicks, and two engagement rings to get there.