Netflix Unveils First Looks and Release Date for LGBTQ Coming-of-Age Series

Initially developed and filmed under the name of The Corps, we got word earlier this year at Netflix’s Upfront that the name of the series had been quietly changed to Boots, and it would be released sometime in the Fall of 2025. Netflix has now officially lifted the lid on the series with all 10 episodes set to arrive on the streamer globally on October 9th, 2025.

Inspired by Greg Cope White’s memoir The Pink Marine, this new series is set against the tough and unpredictable backdrop of the 1990s US Marine Corps, when being gay in the military was still illegal.

The series follows directionless, closeted Cameron Cope (Miles Heizer) and his best friend Ray McAffey (Liam Oh), the son of a decorated Marine. The pair join a diverse group of recruits, all navigating the literal and metaphorical landmines of boot camp. As the ensemble faces grueling physical challenges and strict discipline, they also form unexpected bonds and discover who they truly are in an environment designed to break them down. With sharp wit and plenty of heart, BOOTS explores friendship, resilience, and the search for belonging, even when the world seems determined to keep you in line or leave you behind.

The eight-episode series (the initial order was for 10 episodes) comes from creator and co-showrunner Andy Parker (Tales of the City, Imposters), showrunner Jennifer Cecil (Umbrella Academy, One Tree Hill), and executive producer Norman Lear.

The showrunner and executive producer is Jennifer Cecil. Creator, co-showrunner, and executive producer is Andy Parker. Additional executive producers include Andy Parker, Jennifer Cecil, Norman Lear, and Brent Miller through ACT III Productions, as well as Rachel Davidson, Scott Hornbacher, and Peter Hoar (episode 101).

As a reminder, here’s a recap of the prominent cast members who can be seen in the photos below:

Angus O’Brien (NCIS: Hawai’i, In His Blood) as Hicks
Vera Farmiga (The Conjuring, Up in the Air) as Barb Cope
Joy Osmanski (Stargirl, Santa Clarita Diet) as Setsuko McAffey
Miles Heizer (13 Reasons Why, Parenthood) as Cameron Cope
Liam Oh (Blue Eye Samurai, Station 19) as Ray McAffey
Rico Paris (Swagger, Wonder Woman 1984) as Santos
Johnathan Nieves (Penny Dreadful: City of Angels, Grease: Rise of the Pink Ladies) as Ochoa
Blake Burt (Dynasty, The Resident) as John Bowman
Brandon Tyler Moore (Outer Banks, Sweet Magnolias) as Cody Bowman
Cedrick Cooper (The Underground Railroad, The Walking Dead) as Sgt. McKinnon
Ana Ayora (Captain Marvel, The Big Wedding) as Captain Fajaro

Rounding out the cast, with several newcomers, are:

Dominic Goodman (He’s All That) as Isaiah Nash
Kieron Moore (Vampire Academy, Masters of the Air) as Nicholas Slovacek
Nicholas Logan as Sergeant Cary Wayne Howitt
Zach Roerig (The Vampire Diaries, Roswell, New Mexico) as Sgt. Knox
Anthony Marble as Harlan McAffey
Ivan Hoey Jr. as Benjy Cope
Logan Gould as Mo Mason
Jack Kay as Joshua Jones
Troy Leigh-anne Johnson as Alice
Brett Dalton (Marvel’s Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D., The Punisher) as Sgt. Pitowski

The series was one of the main shows that was affected by the SAG and WGA writers’ strike in 2023. Production had initially commenced on April 17th, 2023, and was due to be wrapped on October 20th, 2023, but ultimately was halted early on. After a prolonged period of not looking like it would be getting back into production, it did indeed restart on May 28th, 2024, running for a few months and wrapping in late August 2024. It was filmed predominantly in New Orleans, Louisiana.

Among the episode titles for the eight episodes are (in alphabetical order), are: