Netflix has decided to cancel its popular series “Boots,” which follows the story of a closeted gay teenager who enlists in the Marines. This announcement came in December, just after the streaming service revealed that the show had garnered significant viewership. Despite its popularity, the decision has raised eyebrows, especially considering “Boots” ranked as one of the most-watched series in the latter half of 2025.
Strong Viewership Raises Questions
According to a report from Deadline, “Boots” accumulated 30.7 million views from its premiere on October 9, 2025, until the end of December. This figure was substantial enough to secure the 23rd position on Netflix’s list of most-watched series during that period, surpassing several other popular shows such as “The Witcher,” “Emily in Paris,” and “The Diplomat.”
“Boots” is adapted from the memoir “The Pink Marine” by Greg Cope White and is set in the early 1990s, a time when being gay in the military was illegal. The series aimed to shed light on the challenges faced by LGBTQ+ individuals in a historically hostile environment. Despite its compelling narrative and positive viewership numbers, the show did not resonate well with some military officials.
Military Response to “Boots”
The Pentagon’s current leadership expressed disapproval of the series. Press Secretary Kingsley Wilson labeled the show as “woke garbage,” reflecting a broader sentiment among some military officials regarding media portrayals of military life. Wilson stated, “Under President Trump and Secretary Pete Hegseth, the U.S. military is getting back to restoring the warrior ethos.” He emphasized that the military’s standards are “elite, uniform, and sex neutral,” asserting that physical capabilities do not depend on gender or sexual orientation.
Wilson further criticized Netflix’s programming choices, asserting that the platform is prioritizing an ideological agenda over quality content. His comments highlight the ongoing tensions between entertainment narratives and institutional perspectives on LGBTQ+ issues within the military.
The cancellation of “Boots” raises important questions about the factors influencing content decisions at Netflix. The strong viewership numbers suggest a demand for diverse storytelling, yet the backlash from military circles may have played a role in the show’s discontinuation.
As discussions around representation and inclusivity in media continue, the fate of shows like “Boots” remains a critical topic for both viewers and industry stakeholders. The decision to cancel a series with such a significant audience will likely spur further dialogue about the balance between creative expression and institutional response in entertainment.
