Netflix Drops Gay Military Coming-of-Age Comedy After Just One Season

Netflix has decided not to renew the military comedy-drama Boots for a second season, the streaming platform confirmed on December 12. The series, created by Andy Parker and produced by legendary television producer Norman Lear, premiered its first season on October 9.

Boots is based on the memoir The Pink Marine by Greg Cope White. The story follows Cameron Cope (Miles Heizer), a closeted gay teenager from Louisiana, who enlists in the United States Marine Corps with his best friend Ray McAffey (Liam Oh) in 1990, a time when LGBTQ+ people were banned from military service.

The show explores their boot camp experience under drill instructor Sergeant Sullivan (Max Parker) and touches on themes of masculinity, identity, and friendship. The series also stars Ana Ayora, Blake Burt, Cedrick Cooper, Dominic Goodman, Nicholas Logan, Kieron Moore, Angus O’Brien, Rico Paris, and Vera Farmiga.

The show received positive reactions from both critics and viewers. Rotten Tomatoes gave it a 90% approval rating, with the critical consensus noting, “Miles Heizer’s terrific performance has the right stuff in Boots, a likable dramedy that explores masculinity and queerness to powerful effect.” Metacritic scored the series 73 out of 100, indicating generally favorable reviews.

Despite critical acclaim and respectable ratings, Netflix chose to cancel the show after only one season. According to sources, the decision was complex. Netflix and Sony Pictures Television, which produced the series, had discussed extending the show.

In August, Sony had extended contracts for key cast members, including Heizer, Oh, Kieron Moore, Dominic Goodman, Angus O’Brien, Blake Burt, and Rico Paris, in hopes of giving the series a chance at continuation. However, Netflix’s exclusivity rules made it difficult for the series to continue elsewhere once canceled.

Boots also faced some backlash. Conservative groups and The Pentagon reportedly criticized the show, citing its LGBTQ+ storyline set within the military during the Trump administration. Despite this, fans praised the series for its story and performances.

“Miles Heizer gives a powerful, heartfelt performance that carries the series,” one critic wrote on Rotten Tomatoes.

The cancellation of Boots comes as a disappointment to viewers who celebrated its honest portrayal of queer experiences and the challenges of military life. Many had hoped the show would continue to explore the characters’ journeys in a second season.

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