Miles Heizer has spoken openly for the first time about the unexpected cancellation of Boots, the queer-centric Netflix series that built a devoted fanbase before being axed after just one season.
Speaking to Gayety at the premiere of his latest film, The People We Meet on Vacation, Heizer admitted the decision to end the show came as a deep personal blow.
“I’m devastated, to be honest,” he said. “I was hoping to do that show for the rest of my life. I was planning on turning 40 on the set of Boots, but that’s not going to happen, unfortunately.”
Despite the disappointment, Heizer reflected on the experience with gratitude and pride.
“I’m so grateful, truly, coming away from it with lifelong friends, and it was like the best experience of my life,” he shared. “So I’m super proud of it. It’s one of the things I’ve done where I know I’ll look back and be like, ‘I’m very proud of that.’”
Boots debuted to a warm reception and gained traction, particularly among younger and LGBTQ+ viewers. The series, which explored the intersection of two vastly different worlds, was praised for its bold storytelling and emotional resonance. However, Netflix’s decision to cancel it — without a public explanation — shocked fans and critics alike.
“Honestly, I was so blown away,” Heizer said of the audience reaction. “I know on paper, the show is about two worlds that don’t typically go together. And I was sort of like, ‘I wonder if people will actually watch this. Who is this going to reach?’”
Any doubts were quickly laid to rest following the show’s release.
“I was so shocked and blown away by the overwhelming response to it,” Heizer added. “It was way more than I was expecting.”
Known for his standout roles in 13 Reasons Why and Love, Simon, Heizer has long been a recognisable face in queer media. Boots marked another deeply personal project that resonated strongly with the LGBTQ+ community, many of whom expressed frustration and sadness at the show’s abrupt ending.
While Netflix has increasingly come under fire for cancelling fan-favourite series amid shifting internal strategies, Boots felt like a particularly painful loss — a show with heart, ambition, and representation.
“Ultimately, it’s like grateful,” Heizer concluded. “I’m disappointed, but I’m just grateful it happened in the first place.”
Even without a second season, Boots will remain a standout in Heizer’s career — one that, according to the actor, left a lasting mark.
“It was just so incredible,” he said. “I appreciate it. It was a pleasure to be a part of.”
