13 Reasons Why star’s new gay Netflix drama gets first trailer

The first trailer for military comedy-drama Boots, which stars gay 13 Reasons Why actor Miles Heizer, has dropped.

The series is described as an “irreverent, off-beat take on the coming-of-age story”, and was inspired by Greg Cope White’s memoir The Pink Marine.

A synopsis for the show reads: “Set in the tough, unpredictable world of the 1990s US marine corps, when being gay in the military was still illegal, the series follows directionless, closeted Cameron Cope (Heizer) and his best friend Ray McAffey (Liam Oh) as they join a diverse group of recruits.

“Together, this ensemble navigates the literal and metaphorical landmines of boot camp, forging unlikely bonds and discovering their true selves in an environment designed to push them to their limits.

“With sharp wit and plenty of heart, Boots is about friendship, resilience and finding your place in the world, even when that world seems determined to keep you in line or leave you behind.”

Set to George Michael’s “Freedom ’90,” (sung by the San Diego Gay Men’s Chorus, which includes military veterans) the trailer shows Cameron go from bullied high-school kid to bullied marine recruit. Along the way his hair is shaved off, he has orders yelled at him and he has to endure gruelling challenges.

“I told you it was going to be rough,” a tired Ray tells Cameron. At the end of the trailer, it’s revealed that this conversation takes place at the end of the first day at boot camp.

The trailer shows off the series’ comedy side as well as Cameron’s struggles, which includes having to hide his sexuality from the authorities. There are also glimpses of Vera Farmiga as Cameron’s mother, Barbara, and Emmerdale‘s Max Parker as decorated marine sergeant Sullivan, who shows signs of a softer side when he says: “We’ve all got something to carry.”

Speaking to Attitude about working with Parker, who is also gay, Heizer said: “It’s incredible, he [acted] so intense and intimidating. I was so impressed.”

The series was created and co-written by Andy Parker, who was an executive producer on the Tales of the City reboot in 2019.

Boots is due to drop on Netflix on 9 October.

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