BOOTS is Netflix’s new gay-themed dramedy, inspired by Greg Cope White’s memoir The Pink Marine, that dives head-on into the uber-machismo, yet quasi-gay world of the U.S. Marine Corps boot camp.
Set in the 1990s, right before the ridiculous “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” era, when being gay in the military was incredulously illegal—and someone needs to remind Pete Hegseth that it’s legal now—BOOTS follows Cameron Cope (Miles Heizer), a sweet, closeted, obliging young man and his straight bestie, Ray (Liam Oh) as they decide to take the plunge and join the Marines. Cope is escaping his confused life at home with his nutty mother Barbara (Vera Farmiga).
At Boot Camp, Cope finds himself being pushed to his limits, especially by Sergeant Robert “Bobby” Sullivan (Max Parker), a hard-ass soldier who is hiding some significant things about himself.
The show deftly blends irreverent comedy with harsh, intense drama. It’s a coming of age story, but it’s also about testing your limits and discovering where you land in terms of being honest about who you are and what you want.
Heizer and Parker share quite a number of potent, emotionally-charged scenes together.
The team behind the eight-episode series is creator and co-showrunner Andy Parker (Tales of the City), showrunner Jennifer Cecil (Umbrella Academy), and executive producer Norman Lear.
Heizer, so good in Ex-Husbands opposite James Norton, earlier this year, is outstanding here, often playing scenes opposite himself—there’s a devil’s advocate Cope constantly challenging the play-it-safe Cope.
The actor is known for playing Alex Standall on Netflix’s 13 Reasons Why and Drew Hold on NBC’s Parenthood. His film credits include Rails & Ties (2007), Rudderless (2013), The Stanford Prison Experiment (2015) and Love, Simon (2018). His latest film, People We Meet on Vacation, is being released in early 2026.
Relative newcomer Parker is a revelation as the unwavering killer-tough Marine who must come to terms with his inner demons. It’s remarkable work.
The gorgeous blue-eyed Brit began his acting career on the BBC medical drama, Casualty (2018) followed by the ITV soap Emmerdale (2019). He was then cast in the Peacock horror show, Vampire Academy (2022) and as Henry VIII in the Netflix series Blood, Sex & Royalty.
Parker got his start on the UK stage in productions of Barnum, Matilda the Musical, Guys & Dolls, Kiss Me, Kate and The Wizard of Oz.
All 8 episodes of BOOTS are available on Netflix on October 9, 2025.
The Contending had the pleasure of a video chat with both Out actors Heizer and Parker.
