A promising new Netflix show is officially canceled—and we didn’t see this coming

There’s a special kind of frustration that hits when Netflix cancels a show you care about, and it’s not dramatic to say it genuinely hurts. And when it’s a newer show, it’s so much worse. New shows are full of possibilities. You’re still in that phase where everything feels exciting and fresh, where you’re imagining where the story could go and who the characters might become.

You haven’t even had time to settle in before it’s gone. It feels unfair, like the show never even got a real chance. That's how fans are feeling now after the streaming giant just canceled one of its most promising new shows. This cancellation has caught us completely off guard, especially given the show's strong early reception.

Sadly, Boots has been officially canceled by Netflix

This is the unfortunate truth. Sadly, there will not be a Boots season 2. Netflix has axed the military comedy drama after only one season, and it's such a shame. This sad news comes just two months after the show was released on Netflix. Why does its cancellation come as a surprise? Well, the show was critically acclaimed, earning a 90% rating on Rotten Tomatoes from both critics and viewers. It also performed well with audiences.

It racked up 9.4 million views in its first full week on the streaming platform, doubling the debut week’s numbers, and it even spent four weeks in Netflix’s Top 10, peaking at No. 2. After Boots attracted some political attention, this even boosted its visibility. So, what went wrong? Unfortunately, Netflix has not come out and shared the reason for Boots's cancellation. However, Deadline reports that it wasn't a "straightforward" cancellation.

In other words, it was more complicated than a simple yes-or-no decision. The news outlet also reports that people at Netflix liked the show and were in favor of keeping it, and that the streaming giant discussed the show’s future with Sony Pictures Television (Boots producer). But apparently, even with critical praise and a loyal audience, the data didn’t convince Netflix that moving forward with a second season would be the right move.

Following the show's cancellation, the cast began sharing their reactions and heartfelt messages on their Instagram stories. We shared a few of them below.

“This is the end of our mission. With great honour, 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.” - Ana Ayora (Captain Denise Fajardo)

“I’m sorry we won’t be doing a round two for Boots, but thank you all for the love and support throughout this show. I made a 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)

Andy Parker created Boots. Based on Greg Cope White’s memoir The Pink Marine, the short-lived Netflix series follows Cameron Cope, a closeted recruit, and his best friend Ray McAffey as they navigate the challenges of boot camp in the U.S. Marine Corps during 1990, a time when being gay in the military was illegal.

Miles Heizer starred in the leading role as Cameron, while Liam Oh took on the role of Ray. The cast also included Ayora, Burt, Vera Farmiga, Cedrick Cooper, Dominic Goodman, Nicholas Logan, Kieron Moore, Angus O'Brien, Rico Paris, Max Parker, and many others.