Tanner Buchanan

Intro

Tanner Buchanan is an American actor known for Robby Keene in Cobra Kai, Leo Kirkman in Designated Survivor and a leading role in He’s All That. His screen work includes family drama, teen comedy and martial-arts storytelling. These parts offer different views of young characters negotiating expectations, loyalty and relationships.

Career snapshot

Before Cobra Kai, Buchanan appeared in television productions including Girl Meets World and Game Shakers. Designated Survivor then gave him a continuing role as Leo Kirkman, the son of Kiefer Sutherland’s character. That series combined a political crisis with the disruptions experienced by a family suddenly placed in the White House.

The entry point

Cobra Kai provides the strongest entry point into his career. Buchanan plays Robby Keene, Johnny Lawrence’s son, whose relationship with his father is complicated by Daniel LaRusso’s influence. Robby’s search for belonging becomes entangled with the rivalries between the dojos, linking a younger character’s choices to the franchise’s older conflicts.

Screen identity and style

The role brings emotional scenes together with physical performance. Robby’s story involves changing allegiances, difficult consequences and attempts to rebuild relationships. Following him across the series shows how a continuing drama can revise a viewer’s understanding of a character rather than leave him in a fixed position within the rivalry.

Collaborations and patterns

He’s All That placed Buchanan opposite Addison Rae in a romantic comedy directed by Mark Waters and written by R. Lee Fleming Jr. Released in 2021, the film reworks the premise of She’s All That around an influencer’s attempt to transform a classmate’s public image. It offers a different tone from Cobra Kai’s competitive setting.

Era reflection

Designated Survivor supplies another comparison. As Leo, Buchanan belonged to the family side of a political thriller; as Robby, he became part of an ensemble built around training, mentorship and competition. The difference between these roles is useful for exploring his television work without treating every character as a variation on the same teenager.

Legacy and rediscovery

Begin with Cobra Kai and compare it with Designated Survivor or He’s All That. The gallery records a 2018 public appearance and a 2025 convention panel with fellow Cobra Kai performers. These are photographs of Buchanan at events, with dates and credits retained, rather than images presented as scenes from his roles.

Selected roles

• Designated Survivor: Leo Kirkman — 2016–2018
• Cobra Kai: Robby Keene — 2018–2025
• He’s All That: Cameron Kweller — 2021

A career in pictures

Two distinct photographs document different periods of Tanner Buchanan’s career.

Public appearance (2018)

Tanner Buchanan

Buchanan at right in a public-appearance photograph by Greg2600.

Cobra Kai convention panel (2025)

Tanner Buchanan

Buchanan at left with fellow Cobra Kai performers at Washington State Summer Con. Photograph by Steven Friederich.