Peyton List, known for her riveting portrayal of a skilled martial artist (Tory Nichols) within the ranks of Netflix’s Cobra Kai, is not only punching above her weight in the arena of acting. But beyond the camera flashes and the thrill of fighting, List has also found her real-life partner in crime—hand in hand with none other than her Cobra Kai co-star.
No, it’s neither Tanner Buchanan nor Xolo Maridueña who has stolen her heart, but the talented Jacob Bertrand, who brings the complex character Eli ‘Hawk’ Moskowitz on screen.
If art imitates life, then their love story is akin to a journey from on-set friends to a classic tale of long-brewing romance with chapters written across red carpets &, of course, sweet social media shout-outs. The pair officially confirmed their romantic tie-up in 2022. So, are you ready to crane-kick into this duo’s whirlwind of a love story?
The Cobra Kai Star Who Stole Peyton List’s Heart
Who said on-screen chemistry is merely for the cameras? Peyton List, who plays the fiercely talented martial artist Tory Nichols in the hit Netflix series, has found her real-life karate kid in none other than her co-star, Jacob Bertrand. The sparks between the two have been flying for years, but it wasn’t until March 2022 that they finally confirmed their relationship. Bertrand told TMZ at the time.
We’ve been dating for a while. I’ve never dated anyone I’ve worked with before. This is almost trial by fire.
The pair’s journey from friends to lovers is like a plot straight out of a romantic comedy. List and Bertrand first met as Disney Channel co-stars before reuniting on the set of Cobra Kai. The actress played Ellie O’Brien in the 2016 Disney flick The Swap, co-starring with Bertrand. The latter added:
We’ve been friends for a while. I met her when I was like, 15. I was actually tight friends with her brother Spencer, so that was kinda awkward to be like, ‘Hey man, I like your sister.’ But yeah, we had fun on set and then hung out off-set.
Their relationship became public knowledge after they made a series of sweet tributes to each other on social media and attended various red-carpet events (see PEOPLE). Sadly, the love story hit a bump in the road in 2023 when rumors of a breakup circulated due to their absence from social media and events (via J-14).
However, those rumors were quickly dispelled, and List and Bertrand emerged stronger than ever in 2024.
Peyton List Discussed About the Joys of Dating Jacob Bertrand
The title of Cobra Kai’s sixth episode from season four, Kicks Get Chicks, has never rung truer than in the case of Peyton List and Jacob Bertrand. In 2022, the actress, 26, opened up about her budding romance with her co-star, and it seems that love is truly in the air on the set of the hit martial arts comedy-drama series.
In an interview with Page Six, the actress couldn’t help but gush about Bertrand, saying:
It’s been so fun. I feel like we’re all best friends and getting to have, like, a person that I really love in the same city – I’m just so grateful for him,” the actress told us of her new beau. He’s the nicest person.
List’s co-stars Mary Mouser and Gianni DeCenzo couldn’t be happier for the couple. Mouser, who portrays Samantha LaRusso, praised List as “the coolest human ever” and expressed her support for her friend’s happiness. DeCenzo, who plays Demetri, jokingly admitted to being a “little jealous” but ultimately shared his excitement for the “awesome” couple.
With their chemistry undeniable both on and off screen, it’s clear that kicks aren’t the only thing that can get you a chick—sometimes, it’s all about finding love in unexpected places. With the upcoming Season 6 premiere of Cobra Kai on the horizon, we can expect to see more of this dynamic duo on screen.
Season 6 of Cobra Kai is expected to release in 2025.
Cobra Kai is streaming on Netflix.
