If you’ve spent any time on Netflix over the last few years, you’ve probably felt that weird, nostalgic pull of the Valley. Cobra Kai isn't just a show; it’s a whole vibe that resurrected the 80s and made us care about crane kicks again. But honestly? The drama on the screen—the dojo wars, the broken trophies, the teenage angst—usually pales in comparison to what the fans are hunting for online. People want to know which Cobra Kai actors engaged in off-screen relationships, who actually fell in love while the cameras weren't rolling, and whether those "shipping" theories actually hold any water in the real world.
It happens with every massive hit. You put a bunch of attractive, talented people in close quarters for months of filming and intense stunt training, and sparks are bound to fly. It’s basically a law of Hollywood physics at this point.
The big one: Xolo Maridueña and Hannah Kepple
Let's get into the most well-documented pairing first. For a long time, if you searched for Cobra Kai actors engaged in a relationship, the names at the top of the list were Xolo Maridueña (who plays Miguel Diaz) and Hannah Kepple (Moon).
They didn't hide it.
Back in the earlier seasons of the show, Hannah was pretty open in interviews about the fact that they were seeing each other. She told MEAWW in a 2019 interview that she was "dating Xolo" and that it started as a friendship that just kind of naturally evolved into something more. It was cute. Fans loved it because Miguel and Moon don’t really interact that much on the show, so it felt like this secret, cool crossover.
But things changed. If you go looking for couple photos of them now, you won’t find much. They’ve both scrubbed their socials of that era, which is the modern-day equivalent of a formal breakup announcement. While neither has released a "we've decided to go our separate ways" PR statement, they’ve clearly moved on. Xolo has been busy becoming a DC superhero with Blue Beetle, and Hannah has stayed focused on her own projects. It's a classic case of young love that flourished under the spotlight but eventually faded as their careers took them in different directions.
Peyton List and Jacob Bertrand: The Hawk and Tory saga
If the Miguel and Moon romance was the "sweet" story, the Peyton List and Jacob Bertrand situation is the one that actually sent the internet into a tailspin.
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Think about it. In the show, Hawk and Tory are these two fierce, often aggressive warriors who eventually find themselves on the same side. In real life? They are actually a couple. This wasn't just a fleeting rumor or a few suspicious "likes" on Instagram.
Jacob Bertrand confirmed it himself back in March 2022. While being stopped by TMZ at LAX—alongside Peyton, no less—he admitted they had been dating for "a while." He even joked about how it was a "trial by fire" dating a co-star. The chemistry is obvious if you watch their joint interviews or see them at red-carpet events. They seem to genuinely enjoy each other's company, often posting goofy photos or supporting each other’s side projects.
- They met on the set of Cobra Kai but actually knew each other years before that through Disney circles.
- Jacob mentioned in a podcast that they started dating somewhere around Season 4.
- Peyton has called him one of her "best friends," which is usually the foundation for the best relationships anyway.
What makes them interesting is how they handle the fame. Unlike some celebrity couples who make their entire identity about the relationship, Peyton and Jacob seem remarkably grounded. They’re just two actors who happen to work on the same show and also happens to be in love. Simple. No drama. Just vibes.
The Mary Mouser and Tanner Buchanan rumors
Now, this is where we have to clear the air. Because if you spend five minutes on TikTok, you’ll see "edit" after "edit" suggesting that Mary Mouser (Sam LaRusso) and Tanner Buchanan (Robby Keene) are a real-life item.
They aren't.
I know, it’s a buzzkill for the "Sobby" shippers. But the truth is, Mary Mouser has been in a long-term relationship with actor Brett Pierce for years. They’ve been very public about their anniversary celebrations and their life together. On the other side of the dojo, Tanner Buchanan has been linked to actress Lizze Broadway for a long time.
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The reason people get confused is that Mary and Tanner have insane professional chemistry. They’ve done numerous "Ship It or Rip It" style videos for Netflix’s YouTube channel where they are incredibly playful and affectionate. They lean into the fans' energy, but it’s purely platonic. They’re just really good friends who happen to be very good at acting like they’re pining for one another.
Why we obsess over cast romances
It’s not just about being nosy. Well, maybe a little. But mostly, it's about the "workplace romance" trope. Most people meet their partners at work or through mutual friends. For actors, the set is their office.
When you see Cobra Kai actors engaged in real-life flirts or full-blown relationships, it makes the show feel more "real." It adds a layer of meta-narrative that fans can track. We like seeing that the people who play our favorite rivals or lovers actually get along when the director yells "cut." It’s comforting in a weird way.
What about the older cast?
We can't talk about the Cobra Kai family without mentioning the legends: Ralph Macchio and William Zabka. While they aren't dating each other (sorry, "LawRusso" fans), their real-life friendship is the backbone of the entire production.
Ralph has been married to his wife, Phyllis Fierro, since 1987. That’s practically a prehistoric era by Hollywood standards. They met when he was just fifteen years old at a cousin’s birthday party. If you want a real-life romance story that actually lasts, forget the young cast for a second and look at Ralph. He’s managed to stay a massive star while keeping a stable, happy home life for decades.
William Zabka is also a family man, having been married to his wife, Stacie, since 2008. The "bad boy" of the 80s turned out to be a pretty wholesome guy. This stability at the top of the call sheet is likely why the younger cast seems so well-adjusted. They have good mentors showing them how to navigate fame without losing their minds.
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Spotting the patterns
If you’re trying to keep up with who is actually together, here are a few things to look for that are usually more reliable than a tabloid headline:
- The "Background" Appearance: Watch the Instagram stories of the other cast members. Often, you’ll see the "secret" couple sitting next to each other at a group dinner or hanging out in the background of a gym video.
- Shared Wardrobe: It sounds silly, but if you see Peyton List wearing a hoodie that Jacob Bertrand was wearing three days ago, that’s a pretty big "tell."
- The Press Tour Energy: Watch how they look at each other when the other person is talking. It’s hard to fake that kind of focused, admiring gaze.
Moving forward with the Cobra Kai legacy
As the show winds down with its final season, the legacy of these relationships will likely live on. Some might last, like Jacob and Peyton, while others will remain fond memories of a time when they were the biggest stars on the planet.
What’s important to remember is that these are real people. While we love the gossip, the fact that they’ve managed to maintain such close bonds—whether romantic or platonic—speaks volumes about the culture of the show. There’s no "toxic" set rumors here. Just a bunch of martial arts nerds who accidentally became a family.
Practical steps for fans:
- Verify before you share: Before posting about a new couple, check for recent interviews. These things move fast, and what was true in Season 2 is definitely not true in Season 6.
- Respect boundaries: Commenting on a celebrity's personal life is fine, but flooding their partner's social media with hate (as unfortunately happens in some fandoms) is never the move.
- Follow the "Side" Cast: Sometimes the most interesting updates come from the actors who play the supporting characters—they are often the ones posting the most candid behind-the-scenes content on TikTok and Reels.
The Cobra Kai journey might be hitting its final "strike," but the real-life connections made in that dojo are clearly going to stick around for a while. Whether they are dating, married, or just best friends, the cast has proven that the "No Mercy" rule definitely doesn't apply to their real-life friendships.