Netflix just released the first trailer for BOOTS and it’s already shaping up to be one of the year’s most exciting queer stories on television. The eight-episode comedic drama premieres October 9 and brings an off-beat, heartfelt look at life in the 1990s U.S. Marine Corps, a time when being gay in the military was still illegal.
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What BOOTS Is About
At its core, BOOTS follows Cameron Cope (Miles Heizer, 13 Reasons Why), a closeted, directionless young man who enlists in the Marines alongside his best friend Ray McAffey (Liam Oh). Ray, the son of a decorated Marine, feels the heavy burden of family expectations while navigating the brutal world of boot camp. Together, they form part of a diverse group of recruits, each pushed to their physical and emotional limits.
The series doesn’t shy away from the contradictions of the era: resilience and camaraderie thrive against a backdrop of systemic exclusion. With sharp wit and plenty of heart, BOOTS explores friendship, identity, and the fight to belong in a world determined to keep you in line or leave you behind.
Inspired by The Pink Marine
BOOTS draws inspiration from Greg Cope White’s memoir The Pink Marine, a deeply personal account of serving in the Marines while closeted. The series comes from creator and co-showrunner Andy Parker (Tales of the City), showrunner Jennifer Cecil (Umbrella Academy, One Tree Hill), and legendary executive producer Norman Lear. That pedigree alone makes BOOTS one to watch.
A Star-Studded Cast
The cast is stacked with talent. Alongside Heizer and Oh, the series features Vera Farmiga as Cameron’s chaotic mother Barbara, Max Parker as the haunted Sgt. Sullivan, Cedrick Cooper, Ana Ayora, Dominic Goodman, Kieron Moore, Rico Paris, and more. Their performances promise to balance irreverent humor with deeply human drama.
For LGBTQ+ viewers, BOOTS isn’t just another coming-of-age series. It highlights the resilience of queer people forced to survive in systems built against them, while also celebrating friendship, love, and chosen family. And with Norman Lear’s stamp as executive producer, the series continues his legacy of telling socially resonant stories that challenge the status quo.
🎖️ FIRST LOOK 🎖️ @Netflix’s #BOOTS is here, starring Miles Heizer, Liam Oh, Vera Farmiga, Max Parker and more. Marine boot camp in the ‘90s was brutal. Being gay in the military? Illegal. This coming-of-age series follows closeted Cameron and his straight best friend Ray as they join a diverse group of recruits, navigating secrets, identity, and the relentless grind of the US Marine Corps. 📅 Premieres October 9 — just in time for LGBTQ+ History Month.
Consider this your official invitation to lace up and prepare for duty. The trailer features a new recording of the hit song “Freedom”, originally written, produced and performed by George Michael, performed by the San Diego Gay Men’s Chorus. The group of 30 singers includes US Military veterans.
Watch the first trailer for BOOTS below and mark your calendars: BOOTS premieres October 9 on Netflix.
Watch the BOOTS Teaser Trailer
Earlier this month, on September 5, Netflix released the first teaser trailer for BOOTS. Netflix’s teaser offers just enough grit, humor, and heart to leave us wanting more. You can watch it below.
Levi Chambers is the founder of Gayety and CEO of Rainbow Media Co., where he leads some of the largest LGBTQ+ brands online, including @LGBT, @LGBTQ, and @Pride. As an award-winning journalist and digital entrepreneur, Levi has been recognized on the OUT100 and honored with a Webby and Telly Award for his work amplifying queer voices. On Gayety, he writes about LGBTQ+ culture, entertainment, and representation, continuing his mission to create inclusive media that celebrates and uplifts the community.
