According to sources, this was not a straightforward cancellation. Boots was well received by both critics and audiences, holding a strong 90% rating on Rotten Tomatoes. The series delivered respectable viewership numbers, made cultural impact, and had internal support at Netflix. The streamer also held discussions with the show’s studio, Sony Pictures Television, while closely reviewing long-term viewing data.
In an effort to keep the show alive, Sony Pictures Television extended options in August on several key cast members, including Miles Heizer, Liam Oh, Kieron Moore, Dominic Goodman, Angus O’Brien, Blake Burt, and Rico Paris. However, due to Netflix’s strict exclusivity policies, it is nearly impossible for another platform to pick up a series after Netflix passes on renewal.
Created by Andy Parker and inspired by Greg Cope White’s memoir The Pink Marine, Boots is set in 1990 within the U.S. Marine Corps, a time when being gay in the military was illegal. The story follows Cameron Cope (Miles Heizer), a closeted and directionless young man, and his straight best friend Ray McAffey (Liam Oh), as they join boot camp alongside a diverse group of recruits. Together, they navigate the intense physical and emotional challenges of military life while discovering who they truly are.
The series had a long and difficult road to the screen. It was greenlit in May 2023 while Norman Lear, a decorated World War II veteran, was still alive. Production began that summer but shut down just one week in due to the Hollywood strikes. Filming resumed in March 2024 and wrapped in August 2024. Lear passed away in December 2023 at the age of 101, before the show premiered.
After its release, Boots performed strongly. The series averaged 9.4 million views in its first full week, doubling its debut-week numbers. It spent four weeks in Netflix’s Top 10, peaking at No. 2. Public attention increased after the Pentagon criticized the show, calling it “woke garbage,” which only fueled further discussion around the series.
Boots also starred Max Parker, Vera Farmiga, Cedrick Cooper, Ana Ayora, and Nicholas Logan.
The decision not to renew Boots comes as Netflix continues to make selective renewal choices. Last week, the streamer renewed Tyler Perry’s Beauty in Black for a third and final season, following the recent Season 3 renewal of Nobody Wants This.
With its cancellation, Boots closes the chapter on a meaningful and ambitious project, marking the end of Norman Lear’s remarkable television legacy.
Tags:
News
