Boots’s cancellation makes perfect sense – it’s not just ‘a win for Trump’

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Before everyone was talking about ‘Heated Rivalry,’ I was really enjoying ‘Boots’ on Netflix – it had this great combination of serious LGBTQ+ storytelling and, let’s be honest, some fun, flirty moments. So when I heard it was cancelled, I was genuinely bummed – it feels like we should be a little upset about it, don’t you think?

It’s not necessarily true that this decision is just giving in to pressure from the Trump administration. The Pentagon did call the ‘Boots’ campaign “woke garbage” right after it came out, so it’s understandable why some might think that, but it’s not the only possible explanation.

Before we look ahead, let’s pause and really consider how Boots concluded. It’s important to recognize that any attempt to continue the show would require a completely new direction to feel genuine.

The show ends with Cameron Cope, played by Miles Heizer, finally graduating from Marine Corps basic training. It’s set in the early ’90s, which was a really tough time because being gay in the military meant you could get kicked out – it was basically banned. It’s a bittersweet moment because you know he’s still hiding a huge part of himself.

While loudly celebrating with friends at a bar, he glances at a TV news report about Iraq invading Kuwait and the US sending troops to the Middle East.

Some people think this was a hint that another season is coming, but I don’t see it that way.

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This feels similar to the heartbreaking ending of Blackadder Goes Forth, where we learn the main characters died in battle during World War I, after bravely charging ‘over the top.’

Just like a sudden awakening, the young soldiers have been working hard at training and dealing with small disagreements. Now, though, they’re facing the grim reality of a dangerous war.

Don’t rush to guess what will happen next season. Instead, let’s consider the risks these characters face now that they’re leaving the protected environment of training, and how they could be seriously hurt or even lose their lives.

Considering everything, the single season of Boots is all the story needed. It’s a perfect and heartfelt way to conclude the series, successfully bringing Greg Cope White’s memoir, The Pink Marine, to life.

If the show were to have a second season, it seems it would cover the Gulf War. However, this would likely mean a significant change in the show’s overall mood, potentially losing the qualities that viewers enjoyed in the first season.

Boots tackled serious issues, but always balanced them with a playful, almost rowdy, energy reminiscent of military training. This created a space for lighthearted fun, silly antics, and exaggerated displays of bravado, offering a welcome break from heavier subjects.

That lighthearted feeling didn’t translate well to the harsh reality of a war zone, particularly one with so much loss of life – both soldiers and civilians – and devastating damage to the environment.

Given where the story could go and how few loose ends remain (we know some of you will miss it, Sullivan fans!), ending ‘Boots’ after one season likely makes the most creative sense.

However, it’s important to consider the bigger picture surrounding this news. Specifically, the show has been unfairly labeled as “woke garbage,” which is a dismissive and inaccurate way to describe its surprisingly nuanced and realistic portrayal of military life.

It delves into serious issues like the harm caused by toxic people and systemic discrimination, the moral complexities of war, and the pain of being separated from those you care about during difficult times.

It also highlights the powerful bonds forged through hardship, the focus and motivation the military can provide, and the courage of risking everything for your convictions.

Although Boots has some funny scenes, it doesn’t gloss over the hardships of military life or show disrespect to anyone who serves. It portrays the experience honestly.

Despite any artistic value the show may have had, the Trump administration didn’t seem to appreciate it. The cancellation‘s timing is particularly noteworthy now that Netflix is trying to buy Warner Bros—a massive deal that will need presidential approval.

We don’t know if this influenced the cancellation of the show, but the possibility that it might is discouraging for those who want to see LGBTQ+ stories represented on television.

I won’t be signing petitions just asking for another season of Boots, for the reasons I’ve explained. However, it’s important we push back against any potential trend of Netflix reducing its LGBTQ+ storytelling. Basically, let’s work to ensure we continue getting great, diverse dramas – to fill the gap Boots leaves behind.

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Authors

David CraigSenior Drama Writer

David Craig writes about TV and streaming drama and comedy for TopMob. Before that, he contributed to Starburst Magazine, hosted the Winter King Podcast on ITVX, and earned a Journalism degree from the University of Sheffield.

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2025-12-16 19:07