YouTube Originals produced critically acclaimed series that flew under the radar. Cobra Kai became a cultural phenomenon, earning 8.4/10 ratings. Shows like Mind Field explored psychology with scientific rigor. Yet many hidden gems never reached mainstream audiences. YouTube quietly shut down its originals division in January 2022.
🔥 Quick Facts:
- Cobra Kai became a Netflix series after YouTube success.
- YouTube Originals disbanded in January 2022 after 5 years of production.
- Mind Field by Vsauce’s Michael Stevens earned critical praise.
- Impulse and Origin achieved ratings above 7.4/10 on IMDb.
- Most award-winning originals remain unavailable on YouTube today.
The Rise of YouTube’s Hidden Masterpieces
YouTube Originals launched an ambitious content strategy between 2017 and 2022. The platform invested heavily in scripted drama, unscripted series, and educational programming. Cobra Kai led the charge, reviving The Karate Kid franchise with fresh energy and compelling storytelling.
The series struck gold immediately, blending nostalgia with contemporary themes. Fans loved the morally complex characters and unexpected twists. Ralph Macchio and William Zabka returned to their iconic roles with renewed enthusiasm. Netflix noticed the massive engagement and eventually acquired the show, propelling it to global success.
“YouTube Originals deliver the content audiences love, reflected in exceptional viewership metrics and award recognition across diverse genres.”
Beyond martial arts action, YouTube funded experimental documentaries and psychological thrillers. Origin offered dystopian science fiction storytelling. Weird City showcased surreal comedy-drama hybrids. These weren’t mainstream blockbusters, yet they showcased extraordinary creativity and production value.
Why These Shows Deserve Your Attention (But Might Be Hard to Find)
The award-winning YouTube Originals catalog remains criminally underrated across streaming platforms. Most series got trapped behind YouTube Premium paywalls, limiting their audience reach significantly. Unlike Netflix or HBO Max, YouTube lacked the marketing muscle to promote these gems.
Viewers who discovered these shows became passionate advocates. Cobra Kai generated millions of dedicated fans who petitioned companies to continue the saga. The emotional investment proved YouTube could compete with established networks. Yet the company failed to capitalize on this momentum.
Educational content also flourished in YouTube’s originals ecosystem. Mind Field, hosted by Michael Stevens from Vsauce, conducted fascinating psychology experiments. Seasons 1-3 aired between 2017 and 2019, attracting over 24.5 million subscribers. The series earned critical praise for balancing entertainment with legitimate scientific inquiry.
The Hidden Gems: A Data-Driven Breakdown
YouTube Originals ratings demonstrated genuine quality across multiple categories. Here’s what the numbers reveal:
| Series Title | Year | IMDb Rating | Genre |
| Cobra Kai | 2018-2025 | 8.4/10 | Martial Arts Drama |
| Impulse | 2018-2020 | 7.4/10 | Sci-Fi Thriller |
| Mind Field | 2017-2019 | 8.7/10 | Educational |
| Weird City | 2019 | 6.8/10 | Comedy-Drama |
| Escape the Night | 2016-2019 | 7.9/10 | Horror-Adventure |
These figures prove YouTube Original series matched or exceeded mainstream television quality. Mind Field earned 8.7/10, surpassing countless acclaimed shows. Cobra Kai‘s 8.4/10 rivals top-tier dramas on competing platforms.
Where Did Everything Go? YouTube’s Strategic Pivot
YouTube’s decision to discontinue originals shocked industry observers in Jan. 2022. The company disbanded its entire original content group under former leadership. Susanne Daniels, Global Head of Original Content, exited the organization.
YouTube cited financial constraints and shifting priorities as reasons. The platform moved toward creator funding initiatives rather than traditional production. This strategy aligned with YouTube’s core mission: empowering independent content creators.
Yet this pivot abandoned the very momentum YouTube had built. Cobra Kai moved to Netflix, taking valuable intellectual property with it. Other series vanished into licensed limbo. Viewers lost easy access to previously produced content.
Why YouTube Couldn’t Compete
YouTube Premium lacked the subscriber base to justify continued production costs. Netflix boasted 200+ million subscribers; YouTube’s premium tier remained a fraction of that size. Production budgets spiraled while monetization remained limited.
Marketing proved another obstacle. Netflix dominates pop culture conversations through strategic promotion. YouTube’s originals struggled for visibility in a crowded marketplace. Most casual viewers never encountered these series.
What Can You Watch Now? Your Survival Guide
Streaming availability depends on your subscriptions and location. Cobra Kai streams exclusively on Netflix worldwide. Mind Field remains partially accessible through YouTube Premium, though older episodes may regress to paywall status.
Some series languish in licensing agreements that restrict distribution. Impulse and Origin disappeared after their initial runs ended. Weird City seasons rotate on limited platforms occasionally.
Your best strategy: check JustWatch.com or your streaming app’s search function for current availability. Subscribe to Netflix for the guaranteed Cobra Kai experience. Try YouTube Premium for Mind Field and other educational content.
Will These Award-Winning Shows Ever Make a Comeback?
YouTube rules out returning to originals production. CEO Neal Mohan confirmed the company’s commitment to creator funding instead. This means no new YouTube Original series will debut under official banners.
However, individual success stories like Cobra Kai prove high-quality content thrives elsewhere. Netflix recognized the show’s potential and renewed it through 2025. Perhaps other platforms might acquire dormant YouTube properties.
Independent creators now produce content rivaling traditional studios. YouTube invests billions in creator programs rather than central production. This democratizes content creation but sacrifices the prestige of curated originals.
Should you spend time hunting for these hidden YouTube Originals? Absolutely. Cobra Kai demands viewing for martial arts fans. Mind Field captivates psychology enthusiasts. Impulse satisfies sci-fi lovers seeking something different. These shows earned their critical acclaim through genuine creative excellence.
Sources
- MovieWeb – 10 Greatest YouTube Original Shows of All Time
- Variety – Why YouTube Exited the Original Content Business
- Wikipedia – List of YouTube Premium Original Programming
Daniel Harris is a specialist journalist focused on the crossroads of breaking news, extraordinary history, and enduring legends. With a background in historical research and storytelling, he blends timely reporting with timeless narratives, making complex events and ancient myths resonate with today’s readers. Daniel’s work often uncovers surprising links between present-day headlines and legendary tales, offering unique perspectives that captivate diverse audiences. Beyond reporting, he is passionate about preserving oral traditions and exploring how extraordinary stories continue to shape culture and identity.