Netflix's Boots is canceled: Stars react to the heartbreaking news

Netflix's Boots — a TV show that centered the coming-of-age story of a young gay man in the U.S. Marine Corps. — has now been officially canceled.

Based on The Pink Marine by Greg Cope White, the series featured out gay writers like Andy Parker, Dominic Colón, and White himself. The cast also featured five out queer actors playing a wide range of characters: Miles Heizer (as the protagonist Cameron Cope), Max Parker (as Sergeant Liam Robert Sullivan), Sachin Bhatt (as Major Wilkinson), Angus O'Brien (as Thaddeus Beau Sterling Hicks), and Jack Cameron Kay (as Joshua Jones).

It's unfortunate that yet another LGBTQ+ series has been axed after just one season, but the discourse surrounding the Boots cancelation can — and should — be even deeper than that. This show also featured various Black actors, Asian actors, Hispanic actors, and included nuanced storylines for all of those performers, even for the smallest roles within the ensemble.

But here we are!

Check out how the Boots stars are reacting to the show's cancelation, below.

(Editor's note: This article has been updated to include new reactions from cast and crew members of Boots.)

Miles Heizer (Cameron Cope on 'Boots')

Miles Heizer, who played the main character (Cameron Cope) on Boots and was an Out100 honoree in 2025, had previously remarked on "manifesting" a second season. Following the news that the show was canceled, however, the actor wrote:

"Well, I'm sad to report that Boots isn't being renewed for a second season. I want to thank everyone for the overwhelming love and support they gave this show. It truly shattered my expectations, and I couldn't be more grateful.

First and foremost, thank you to @eatgregeat for telling his story and trusting us to retell it through Boots. And thank you to the LGBTQ+ community that came before me who fought for a world where a show like this could get made. I grew up so afraid of what being gay would mean for my life. So to be on the other side of that, feeling so uplifted and supported, is still insane to me.

Yes, I'm pretty disappointed we won't be returning. But the friends I made and being called woke garbage by the pentagon are things I will cherish for the rest of my life.

Thank you so much to everyone who fought to get this show made. It was such a privilege to be a part of it and I'm eternally grateful to have had this opportunity. Truly, thank you. Ok… Goodbye for now."

Angus O'Brien (Hicks on 'Boots')

One of the fan-favorite characters from Boots, Hicks, was brought to life by Angus O'Brien. He acknowledged the show's cancelation with a post that reads:

"All I can say right now is thank you to the entire cast and crew for filling my days with so much love and care and support throughout this entire journey from day 1.

I started this show, newly sober, nervous as hell, and trying to figure out this next part of my life. You helped me believe in myself. My place in the industry, and my worth as a person outside of the work.

To friends and strangers who watched and shared a sweet word, your kindness has meant the world to me. To the family I made in this show, my platoon, my friends, my sister for life, I will always carry your pack. That's a promise!"

The actor wrapped up this Instagram Story noting that he might take a break from social media. "I'II probably be off the internet for a bit but I'm always a phone call or text away," O'Brien wrote.

Angus O'Brien (Hicks on 'Boots')

O'Brien shared another Instagram Story, writing:

"Love you all. Happy holidays and see you in the new year! Thank you for everything!"

Sachin Bhatt (Major Wilkinson on 'Boots')

Starring as Major Wilkinson on Boots, Sachin Bhatt wrote:

"Thank you to everyone who watched it and reached out. It touched people of all ages and backgrounds. Sending lots of love to the Boots family."

Sachin Bhatt (Major Wilkinson on 'Boots')

The actor then shared an Instagram Story that showed Major Wilkinson with his love interest, Sgt. Sullivan (played by Max Parker), on the Netflix show.

"Keep telling your queer stories."

Jack Cameron Kay (Joshua Jones on 'Boots')

Jack Cameron Kay discussed Boots's cancelation in a TikTok video in which he addressed the fans. Below, a full transcript of what the actor said.

"Hello. We just got word that Netflix has canceled Boots; we're not getting another season. And, I mean, I can't lie, I'm sad about it. I'm sad to hear it actually, officially said out loud. It's not really a surprise, per se. We kind of knew it was coming, because it took so long for them to say officially, and just like, you know, people talk. There's like rumors and stuff.

But, you know, what makes me the saddest is just like reading everybody's messages. Everyone is in my DMs is absolutely shocked. Absolutely shocked. They can't believe it. It doesn't make any sense to them. And it doesn't really make any sense to me either. Like, there are so many factors that go into these decisions that get made, and I can't even begin to know the basis upon which they came to arrive at this decision.

But it does just feel like, no matter how you cut it, the show performed well. It did well. I don't even know if Jones would've showed up [in a second season, but] I just wanted the show to continue. Like, I'm proud of it. I think it's a good show. And, you know, it isn't, for now. Who knows? The unthinkable may occur… Who knows?

But, for now, it's not happening. I'm just sad for everyone who's put years of their lives into making this show. I'm sad for all those people who fought so hard to get it made in the first place. And, yeah, these things happen. This is this industry that we've all chosen to be part of.

So, that all said, I just want to express my deep gratitude for everyone who watched the show, who has supported it, who has supported the cast, who has supported me. I think we, in the cast, could feel that the show was successful. No one can tell me the show wasn't successful.

But in this case, it just… I guess it wasn't enough. But I will always be so proud of it. I'm proud of my work in the show. And I'm grateful for the experience, nonetheless. And Jones still loves you."

Jack Cameron Kay (Joshua Jones on 'Boots')

Kay also addressed the Boots cancelation on Instagram, writing:

"I loved this show. I'm so grateful to have been a part of it. Thank you all for the love — you've changed my life. Oorah 4ever."

Jack Cameron Kay (Joshua Jones on 'Boots')

Kay's most recent Instagram Story reads:

"Ppl asking, 'How is this possible?' I wish I had an answer for you. Not much of what happens in this industry nowadays makes any sense.

But I'm so proud of what we did with this show and nobody can tell me it wasn't a success."

Kieron Moore (Nicholas Slovacek on 'Boots')

Kieron Moore, who played Slovacek on Boots, reacted to the news writing in an Instagram story:

"They can take away Boots but they can't take away my brothers."

Dominic Goodman (Isaiah Nash on 'Boots')

Dominic Goodman, the Boots actor who brought Isaiah Nash to life, wrote in an Instagram Story:

"I gained so much from this show; new brothers, new understanding of my own family history with the Marines and a taste of what I'm capable of as an actor. This job pushed me, it grew me and I'm grateful to have gotten such an amazing experience. Thank you to everyone who's watched! More blessings on the way!"

Dominic Goodman (Isaiah Nash on 'Boots')

Goodman also shared a screenshot of the Boots scores on Rotten Tomatoes, who are both at 90 percent.

"One for the books," the actor wrote.

Ana Ayora (Captain Fajardo on 'Boots')

Ana Ayora, who played Captain Fajardo on Boots, shared an Instagram Story that read:

"This is the end of our mission. With great honor, deep gratitude and heart, I salute you all for supporting us and this beautiful much needed story. Captain Fajardo, this experience, these humans, this opportunity Expanded my life. I am forever changed."

Blake Burt (John Bowman on 'Boots')

Blake Burt, who played John Bowman on Boots, shared a couple of Instagram Stories addressing the show's cancelation.

The actor wrote, "I'm sorry we won't be doing a round 2 for #BOOTS but thank you all for the love and support throughout this show. I made family for life, and we made something beautiful. Sometimes these things happen and it's out of our control, but I hope this show touched your heart and you find that strength deep in your soul to always overcome, believe in yourself, but ultimately lead with love no matter what."

Blake Burt (John Bowman on 'Boots')

Like other Boots stars, Burt proudly re-shred the Rotten Tomatoes scores of Boots in another post.

"90% folks. It made a mark on people, and I couldn't be more proud of everyone involved," Burt wrote.

​Blake Burt (John Bowman on 'Boots')

Burt also shared an incredibly sweet, uplifting, and emotional video via Instagram Story in which he said:

"I've gotten reached out to a lot the past hour or two about the show getting canceled. You know, it just makes me reminisce over the memories we've made over the past couple years, and it's kind of wild to say that, you know? Years to make one season of a show. But that's what it took to make something honestly this great.

You look back, you look at all the hard work, the blood, sweat, and tears — as cliché as that is — to make this show. You think about how every single person that was a part of it changed for the better. Whether it shaped them mentally, spiritually, physically, or helped them gain work ethic… There's just so many parts I think that were improved in all of us.

And, for that, there's a lot to be grateful for. Again, it's difficult when you don't get renewed. But at the same time, you can't help but be grateful. Miles, Max, Liam, and the entire rest of the cast, I can't help but be just completely proud of everything we accomplished. I wish we were able to go back and have a round two. Maybe I'll make it up that rope, who knows?

Hopefully we'll all get to work together on something in the future. There's not many times in life you get to work with a cast where literally everybody gets along. Everybody becomes friends; you gain brothers and sisters in every person you work with. Boots was a special show where that actually was the case. Where everyone led with love, and kindness, and… You just got along. Hopefully we'll get a chance to all work together again soon. I hope! Love you guys."

Brandon Tyler Moore (Cody Bowman on 'Boots')

Blake Burt's character, John Bowman, had a twin brother on Boots named Cody Bowman — who was brought to life by Brandon Tyler Moore.

The actor also reflected on the Netflix show's cancelation by sharing Heizer's post and writing a message of his own. "Love my Boots forever family," Brandon Tyler Moore's Instagram Story reads.

Dominic Colón (writer, 'Boots')

Dominic Colón, one of the main writers on Boots who beautifully crafted a very powerful episode in the series — episode 7, titled "Love Is a Battlefield" — also mourned this cancelation update with a message on social media.

"Forward, march! So proud of what we created. Heartbroken that we can't do more. Life this morning feels a little like this scene. Forever grateful for the gift of BOOTS and for the beautiful souls it has brought into my life. I carry you all in my pack. OORAH."

Greg Cope White (author, 'The Pink Marine' / writer, 'Boots')

Greg Cope White, author of The Pink Marine memoir that inspired the series, also shared a few words in an Instagram post:

"Writing this episode of Boots was tough. Swim qualification was the first time I'd ever seen Dale fail at anything. But it represents my entire thesis behind this project. Living this moment in Boot Camp changed my life and 'claim your fucking place' became my mantra."

I often think what if I didn't write The Pink Marine. My story wouldn't be available to everyone, and this is insane, in the entire world. I wouldn't have met these wonderful actors or the crew that filmed our beautiful show. As always, I appreciate the time anyone spends with my story whether the book or our show. Time is precious. If you have a story in you, please get it out to the world."

Greg Cope White (author, 'The Pink Marine' / writer, 'Boots')

The author of The Pink Marine wrote in a subsequent Instagram Story:

"Our Boots cast & crew ATE Semper Fi."

Greg Cope White (author, 'The Pink Marine' / writer, 'Boots')

Writer James Duke Mason shared a post that reads:

"This is so sad and disappointing. #boots became a true cultural phenomenon and was in the zeitgeist for months like few other shows this year have. Sending my love to my friend @eatgregeat and all the people who were part of a show that touched so many people and made a huge impact."

White re-shared Mason's post and wrote over it, "Thanks for the love of my story @jamesdukemason."

Greg Cope White (author, 'The Pink Marine' / writer, 'Boots')

White wrote in an Instagram Story that followed:

"I had a dream of becoming a U.S. Marine, writing a book about that time, and making that book into a television show. Crazy right? IT CAME TRUE."

Boots is streaming on Netflix.