In a move sparking widespread backlash, Netflix has cancelled its critically acclaimed drama Boots just two months after its premiere — despite high ratings and strong viewership.
The eight-episode coming-of-age dramedy, which debuted on 9 October, was the final project from legendary TV producer Norman Lear, who passed away in 2023 at the age of 101. Lear’s influence on television spanned decades, and Boots was seen by many as a fitting swan song.
Produced under challenging conditions, including a temporary halt due to the Hollywood strikes, Boots finally made it to screens and was immediately met with praise. The series earned a 90% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes, and averaged 9.4 million views in its first full week. It also held a spot in Netflix’s Top 10 for four consecutive weeks.
Despite its promising performance and growing fanbase, Netflix has decided not to renew the show for a second season, according to Deadline.
Fan backlash erupts online
Unsurprisingly, fans of the show have taken to social media to express frustration over the decision.
“One of the biggest reasons why Netflix is in the gutter is because they never let shows find audiences now. They just cut them before they even get the chance,” one person wrote on X (formerly Twitter).
Another added:
“Netflix needs to start giving shows a chance and release one episode a week so the hype and viewership continues.”
A third user pointed to a growing pattern of cancellations:
“Nothing surprises me after Netflix cancelled Deadboy Detectives after one season, but I could’ve sworn Boots was really popular this year and was trending forever on Twitter.”
Cancellation amid political controversy
The announcement comes on the heels of a controversial address delivered by President Trump and Secretary Pete Hegseth to senior military officials, calling for an end to so-called “woke” culture. The speech was followed by a statement from the Pentagon, accusing Netflix of promoting an “ideological agenda.”
While the cancellation of Boots has not been officially linked to political pressure, the timing has raised eyebrows and further fuelled debate about the platform’s decision-making and willingness to back progressive or diverse storytelling.
