Boots is based on the 2016 memoir The Pink Marine by Greg Cope White, who also serves as a writer and executive producer on the series.

Although the show sets its story in Louisiana in 1990, Greg Cope White, the memoir's author, was actually a Texas resident, and his book The Pink Marine was set in 1979.

The series received a series order from Netflix in May 2023 and entered pre-production on June 7 of that year, with Andy Parker adapting the book and serving as showrunner.

Filming for the first season began in summer 2023 but was halted after only one week due to the 2023 SAG-AFTRA strike, before resuming in March 2024 and wrapping in August 2024.

Many of the main cast members were optioned for a possible second season as early as August 2025.

A 1996 episode of JAG titled 'Boot,' with a similarly themed title, had already explored unethical treatment at Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island, including a scene suggesting a possible violation of the 'Don't Ask, Don't Tell' policy.

US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth publicly criticized the series, with one of his spokespersons calling it 'woke garbage'; following the remarks, the show's viewership doubled.

Despite strong critical reception (90% on Rotten Tomatoes, 73/100 on Metacritic), the series was canceled after just one season on December 12, 2025.