Special Forces: World's Toughest Test

Special Forces: World's Toughest Test
Also known as	Celebrity SAS: Who Dares Wins USA [1]
Genre	Reality television
Based on	SAS: Who Dares Wins
Presented by	Rudy Reyes Jason Fox Mark 'Billy' Billingham Remi Adeleke Jovon Quarles
Narrated by	Shaun Dooley
Country of origin	United States
Original language	English
No. of seasons	3
No. of episodes	28
Production
Executive producers	Sophie Leonard Alicia Kerr Becky Clarke
Production locations	Jordan (season 1) South Island (season 2) Wales (season 3)
Production companies	Banijay Minnow Films
Original release
Network	Fox
Release	January 4, 2023 (2023-01-04) – present

Special Forces: World's Toughest Test is an American reality quasi-military training television series that premiered on Fox on January 4, 2023. It is an adaptation of the British reality series SAS: Who Dares Wins and reuses Directing Staff (DS) instructors from that series.

Format

Like the original British series, Special Forces: World's Toughest Test pits contestants against harsh environments all around the world in a shortened training course that is designed to replicate a number of elements of the actual United States Special Forces selection course, which is notoriously difficult and has claimed the lives of people who have participated in it. The show's Directing Staff take the recruits through hostile and unforgiving warfare environments, while testing their mental and physical ability through a series of tests. Unlike many reality competition series, there are no formal elimination points; instead, contestants may voluntarily withdraw or be medically withdrawn at any point prior to completion. They may also be disqualified for failing to complete specific steps of the course. In the British series, recruits may be culled for rule violations, though this is yet to be seen in the American series.

Production

On September 7, 2022, it was announced that Fox had ordered the series, originally titled Special Forces: The Ultimate Test, with Sophie Leonard, Alicia Kerr and Becky Clarke as the executive producers. ^{[2] [3]} The series premiered on January 4, 2023. ^{[4] [5] [6]} Special Forces: World's Toughest Test season 1 was filmed in Jordan (Wadi Rum Desert). ^[7] On May 15, 2023, Fox renewed the series for a second season which was filmed in New Zealand's South Island and premiered on September 25, 2023. ^{[8] [9]} On May 13, 2024, Fox renewed the series for a third season which was filmed in Wales, the home of British Special Forces Selection, and will premiere on January 8, 2025 with 2-hour episodes over five weeks. ^{[10] [11]}

Cast

The Directing Staff (DS) instructors are: Rudy Reyes, a former United States Recon Marine; Jason Fox, a former SBS operator; Mark 'Billy' Billingham, an ex-SAS Sergeant Major and Remi Adeleke, a veteran Navy SEAL Senior Chief. ^{[2] [3]} Adeleke did not return for Season 2, and was replaced by Jovon 'Q' Quarles, a veteran Navy SEAL. ^[12] The series is narrated by Shaun Dooley. ^[13]

Recruits

Season 1 (Winter 2023)

Recruit	Celebrity	Known for	Status (Episode number)
4	Hannah Brown	The Bachelorette star	Passed (10)
8	Carli Lloyd	Olympian Soccer Player	Passed (10)
13	Dwight Howard	NBA player	Disqualified (10)
16	Danny Amendola	Former NFL wide receiver	Voluntarily Withdrawn (10)
10	Gus Kenworthy	Former Olympic freestyle skier	Medically Withdrawn (8)
5	Mike Piazza	Former MLB catcher	Voluntarily Withdrawn (8)
14	Kenya Moore	The Real Housewives of Atlanta star	Voluntarily Withdrawn (6)
6	Anthony Scaramucci	Former White House Communications Director	Voluntarily Withdrawn (6)
1	Beverley Mitchell	Actress & singer	Voluntarily Withdrawn (4)
9	Mel B	Spice Girls singer	Voluntarily Withdrawn (3)
15	Nastia Liukin	Former Olympic artistic gymnast	Voluntarily Withdrawn (3)
2	Jamie Lynn Spears	Actress & singer	Voluntarily Withdrawn (3)
7	Montell Jordan	Singer	Medically Withdrawn (2)
12	Tyler Florence	Chef & television host	Voluntarily Withdrawn (2)
3	Dr. Drew Pinsky	Media personality & physician	Medically Withdrawn (1)
11	Kate Gosselin	Reality television personality	Medically Withdrawn (1)

Season 2 (Fall 2023)

Recruit	Celebrity	Known for	Status (Episode number)
5	Tyler Cameron	The Bachelorette star	Passed (8)
6	Erin Jackson	Olympic speed skater	Passed (8)
12	Nick Viall	The Bachelor & The Bachelorette star	Passed (8)
3	JoJo Siwa	Dancer, singer & actress	Voluntarily Withdrawn (8)
4	Tom Sandoval	Vanderpump Rules star	Disqualified (8)
9	Bode Miller	Olympic alpine ski racer	Voluntarily Withdrawn (7)
1	Jack Osbourne	The Osbournes star	Medically Withdrawn (6)
14	Kelly Rizzo	Influencer & widow of Bob Saget	Voluntarily Withdrawn (4)
7	Savannah Chrisley	Chrisley Knows Best star	Voluntarily Withdrawn (3)
8	Robert Horry	Former NBA player	Voluntarily Withdrawn (3)
10	Brian Austin Green	Actor	Voluntarily Withdrawn (3)
13	Dez Bryant	Former NFL wide receiver	Voluntarily Withdrawn (2)
11	Blac Chyna	Model & actress	Voluntarily Withdrawn (2)
2	Tara Reid	Actress	Voluntarily Withdrawn (2)

Season 3 (Winter 2025)

Recruit	Celebrity	Known for	Status (Episode number) [a]
8	Kayla Nicole	Influencer & model	Passed (10)
12	Brody Jenner	The Hills star & son of Caitlyn Jenner	Passed (10)
9	Golden Tate	Former NFL wide receiver	Disqualifed (10)
16	Cam Newton	Former NFL quarterback	Disqualifed (10)
11	Alana Blanchard	Surfer	Voluntarily Withdrawn (10)
2	Christy Carlson Romano	Former Disney Channel actress & podcast host	Disqualified (8)
15	Kyla Pratt	Actress	Voluntarily Withdrawn (8)
10	Carey Hart	Motocross champion & husband of P!nk	Medically Withdrawn (7)
14	Landon Donovan	Former soccer player	Medically Withdrawn (4)
1	Nathan Adrian	Olympic swimmer	Medically Withdrawn (3)
6	Marion Jones	Former Olympic track and field star	Medically Withdrawn (3)
7	Jordyn Wieber	Former Olympic gymnast	Voluntarily Withdrawn (3)
13	Trista Sutter	The Bachelorette star	Voluntarily Withdrawn (3)
4	Ali Manno	The Bachelor & The Bachelorette star	Medically Withdrawn (2)
3	Denise Richards	Actress	Voluntarily Withdrawn (2)
5	Stephen Baldwin	Actor	Disqualified (2)

Episodes

Series overview

Season	Episodes		Originally released
			First released	Last released
1	10		January 4, 2023 (2023-01-04)	March 1, 2023 (2023-03-01)
2	8		September 25, 2023 (2023-09-25)	November 27, 2023 (2023-11-27)
3	10		January 8, 2025 (2025-01-08)	February 5, 2025 (2025-02-05)

Season 1 (2023)

No. overall	No. in season	Title  [14] [15]	Original release date  [14] [15]	Prod. code  [14]	U.S. viewers (millions)
1	1	"Test of Character"	January 4, 2023 (2023-01-04)	SFT-101	2.06 [16]
2	2	"Weakness"	January 4, 2023 (2023-01-04)	SFT-102	2.06 [16]
3	3	"Mindset"	January 11, 2023 (2023-01-11)	SFT-103	1.81 [17]
4	4	"Trust"	January 18, 2023 (2023-01-18)	SFT-104	1.70 [18]
5	5	"Pressure"	January 25, 2023 (2023-01-25)	SFT-105	1.73 [19]
6	6	"Fear"	February 1, 2023 (2023-02-01)	SFT-106	1.77 [20]
7	7	"Resilience"	February 8, 2023 (2023-02-08)	SFT-107	1.74 [21]
8	8	"Courage"	February 15, 2023 (2023-02-15)	SFT-108	1.89 [22]
9	9	"Survival"	February 22, 2023 (2023-02-22)	SFT-109	1.82 [23]
10	10	"Interrogation"	March 1, 2023 (2023-03-01)	SFT-110	1.62 [24]

Season 2 (2023)

No. overall	No. in season	Title  [14] [25]	Original release date  [14] [25]	Prod. code  [14]	U.S. viewers (millions)
11	1	"Far From Home"	September 25, 2023 (2023-09-25)	SFT-201	1.52 [26]
12	2	"Exposure"	October 2, 2023 (2023-10-02)	SFT-202	1.36 [27]
13	3	"Panic"	October 9, 2023 (2023-10-09)	SFT-203	1.29 [28]
14	4	"Character"	October 16, 2023 (2023-10-16)	SFT-204	1.29 [29]
15	5	"Pressure"	November 6, 2023 (2023-11-06)	SFT-205	1.17 [30]
16	6	"Survival"	November 13, 2023 (2023-11-13)	SFT-206	1.23 [31]
17	7	"Grit"	November 20, 2023 (2023-11-20)	SFT-207	1.16 [32]
18	8	"Capture"	November 27, 2023 (2023-11-27)	SFT-208	1.17 [33]

Season 3 (2025)

No. overall	No. in season	Title  [14] [34]	Original release date  [14] [34]	Prod. code  [14]	U.S. viewers (millions)
19	1	"Ocean Warfare"	January 8, 2025 (2025-01-08)	SFT-301	1.86 [35]
20	2	"Survival"	January 8, 2025 (2025-01-08)	SFT-302	1.86 [35]
21	3	"Terror"	January 15, 2025 (2025-01-15)	SFT-303	1.64 [36]
22	4	"Brotherhood"	January 15, 2025 (2025-01-15)	SFT-304	1.64 [36]
23	5	"Panic"	January 22, 2025 (2025-01-22)	SFT-305	1.39 [37]
24	6	"Trust"	January 22, 2025 (2025-01-22)	SFT-306	1.39 [37]
25	7	"Duty"	January 29, 2025 (2025-01-29)	SFT-307	1.44 [38]
26	8	"Resilience"	January 29, 2025 (2025-01-29)	SFT-308	1.44 [38]
27	9	"On The Run"	February 5, 2025 (2025-02-05)	SFT-309	1.40 [39]
28	10	"Capture"	February 5, 2025 (2025-02-05)	SFT-310	1.40 [39]

Ratings

Viewership and ratings per episode of Special Forces: World's Toughest Test

No.	Title	Air date	Timeslot (ET)	Rating (18–49)	Viewers (millions)	DVR (18–49)	DVR viewers (millions)	Total (18–49)	Total viewers (millions)	Ref.
1	"Test of Character"	January 4, 2023	Wednesday 8:00 p.m.	0.4	2.06	TBD	TBD	TBD	TBD	[16]
2	"Weakness"	January 4, 2023	Wednesday 9:00 p.m.	0.4	2.06	TBD	TBD	TBD	TBD	[16]
3	"Mindset"	January 11, 2023		0.4	1.81	TBD	TBD	TBD	TBD	[17]
4	"Trust"	January 18, 2023		0.3	1.70	TBD	TBD	TBD	TBD	[18]
5	"Pressure"	January 25, 2023		0.3	1.73	TBD	TBD	TBD	TBD	[19]
6	"Fear"	February 1, 2023		0.3	1.77	TBD	TBD	TBD	TBD	[20]
7	"Resilience"	February 8, 2023		0.3	1.74	TBD	TBD	TBD	TBD	[21]
8	"Courage"	February 15, 2023		0.4	1.89	TBD	TBD	TBD	TBD	[22]
9	"Survival"	February 22, 2023		0.4	1.82	TBD	TBD	TBD	TBD	[23]
10	"Interrogation"	March 1, 2023		0.3	1.62	TBD	TBD	TBD	TBD	[24]

Notes

1. Episode numbers are based on the single one-hour episodes rather than the televised combined two-hour episodes.

References

1. "Celebrity SAS: Who Dares Wins USA | All 4". www.channel4.com.
2. "FOX Enlists "Special Forces: The Ultimate Test (wt)," with All-Star Celebrity Contestants, to Debut January 2023" (Press release). Fox. September 7, 2022. Retrieved February 27, 2023– via The Futon Critic.
3. Jesse Whittock (September 7, 2022). "Special Forces: The Ultimate Test: Anthony Scaramucci, Jamie Lynn Spears & Mel B Lined Up For Fox Endurance Series". Deadline Hollywood . Retrieved February 27, 2023.
4. ""Special Forces: World's Toughest Test" Begins with a Special Two-Hour Premiere Event Wednesday, January 4 on FOX" (Press release). Fox. October 27, 2022. Retrieved February 27, 2023– via The Futon Critic.
5. "FOX Announces Premiere Dates for New and Returning Series to Launch Winter 2023" (Press release). Fox. November 7, 2022. Retrieved February 27, 2023– via The Futon Critic.
6. Katie Campione (November 7, 2022). "Fox Sets Midseason Schedule With Premieres For Courtroom Anthology Accused, Procedural Alert & Comedy Animal Control". Deadline Hollywood . Retrieved February 27, 2023.
7. Shrestha, Naman (January 3, 2023). "Where is Special Forces World's Toughest Test Filmed?". The Cinemaholic. Retrieved March 20, 2023.
8. Andreeva, Nellie (May 15, 2023). "Fox Unveils 2023-24 Programming Slate, Does Not Announce Fall Schedule For Second Straight Year". Deadline Hollywood .
9. Mitovich, Matt Webb (July 11, 2023). "Fox (Finally) Reveals a Fall Schedule Full of 'Toons and Reality TV, as Writers Strike Marches On". TVLine .
10. Andreeva, Nellie (May 13, 2024). "Fox Fall 2024 Schedule: Lone Star Succeeds 9-1-1, The Floor Moves, Family Guy Among 8 Scripted Series Held For Midseason". Deadline Hollywood . Retrieved May 13, 2024.
11. Schwartz, Ryan (November 15, 2024). "Special Forces: World's Toughest Test: Denise Richards, Trista Sutter and a Baldwin Brother Among Season 3 Recruits — Get Premiere Date". TVLine .
12. Webb Mitovich, Matt (July 31, 2023). "Special Forces: World's Toughest Test: Tom Sandoval, JoJo Siwa, Blac Chyna and a Chrisley Among Season 2 Recruits". TVLine . Retrieved July 31, 2023.
13. Willets, Melissa (February 23, 2023). "Who Is the Special Forces Narrator? You've Probably Heard His Voice Before". Distractify . Retrieved March 20, 2023.
14. "Special Forces: World's Toughest Test Episode Listings". The Futon Critic.
15. "Special Forces: World's Toughest Test Season 1 Episode Guide". Zap2it.
16. Metcalf, Mitch (January 5, 2023). "SHOWBUZZDAILY's Wednesday 1.4.2023 Top 150 Cable Originals & Network Finals UPDATED". Showbuzz Daily . Retrieved February 27, 2023.
17. Salem, Mitch (January 12, 2023). "SHOWBUZZDAILY's Wednesday 1.11.2023 Top 150 Cable Originals & Network Finals UPDATED". Showbuzz Daily . Retrieved February 27, 2023.
18. Metcalf, Mitch (January 19, 2023). "SHOWBUZZDAILY's Wednesday 1.18.2023 Top 150 Cable Originals & Network Finals UPDATED". Showbuzz Daily . Retrieved February 27, 2023.
19. Salem, Mitch (January 26, 2023). "SHOWBUZZDAILY's Wednesday 1.25.2023 Top 150 Cable Originals & Network Finals UPDATED". Showbuzz Daily . Retrieved February 27, 2023.
20. Salem, Mitch (February 2, 2023). "SHOWBUZZDAILY's Wednesday 2.1.2023 Top 150 Cable Originals & Network Finals UPDATED". Showbuzz Daily . Retrieved February 27, 2023.
21. Metcalf, Mitch (February 9, 2023). "SHOWBUZZDAILY's Wednesday 2.8.2023 Top 150 Cable Originals & Network Finals UPDATED". Showbuzz Daily . Retrieved February 27, 2023.
22. Salem, Mitch (February 16, 2023). "SHOWBUZZDAILY's Wednesday 2.15.2023 Top 150 Cable Originals & Network Finals UPDATED". Showbuzz Daily . Retrieved February 27, 2023.
23. Metcalf, Mitch (February 23, 2023). "SHOWBUZZDAILY's Wednesday 2.22.2023 Top 150 Cable Originals & Network Finals UPDATED". Showbuzz Daily . Retrieved February 27, 2023.
24. Salem, Mitch (March 2, 2023). "SHOWBUZZDAILY's Wednesday 3.1.2023 Top 150 Cable Originals & Network Finals UPDATED". Showbuzz Daily . Retrieved March 2, 2023.
25. "Special Forces: World's Toughest Test Season 2 Episode Guide". Zap2it.
26. Douglas Pucci (September 26, 2023). "Monday Ratings: Decent Results for The Voice 24th Season Premiere and The Irrational Debut on NBC". Program Insider. Retrieved September 27, 2023.
27. Douglas Pucci (October 3, 2023). "Monday Ratings: CBS Debuted Game Show Loteria Loca". Programming Insider. Retrieved October 3, 2023.
28. Douglas Pucci (October 10, 2023). "Monday Ratings: The Irrational on NBC Remains a Decent Draw in Total Viewers in Week Three". Programming Insider. Retrieved October 12, 2023.
29. Douglas Pucci (October 17, 2023). "Monday Ratings: ABC and ESPN's NFL Monday Night Football and MLB's NLCS Game 1 on TBS and truTV Dominate in Prime Time Key Demos". Programming Insider. Retrieved October 17, 2023.
30. Douglas Pucci (November 7, 2023). "Monday Ratings: ABC and ESPN Share Prime Time Leadership with NFL". Programming Insider. Retrieved November 8, 2023.
31. Douglas Pucci (November 15, 2023). "Monday Ratings: ESPN and ABC Continue Prime Time Dominance with Monday Night Football". Programming Insider. Retrieved November 15, 2023.
32. Douglas Pucci (November 21, 2023). "Monday Ratings: ABC and ESPN Soar with Philadelphia-Kansas City Rematch of Last Season's Big Game". Programming Insider. Retrieved November 22, 2023.
33. Douglas Pucci (November 28, 2023). "Monday Ratings: CBS Special Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer Returns for the Holidays". Programming Insider. Retrieved November 30, 2023.
34. "Special Forces: World's Toughest Test Season 3 Episode Guide". Zap2it.
35. Pucci, Douglas (January 10, 2025). "Wednesday Ratings: Shifting Gears Delivers Solid Debut on ABC, Abbott Elementary Hits Regularly-Scheduled Time Slot-High in 18-49 with It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia Crossover" . Retrieved January 10, 2025.
36. Pucci, Douglas (January 16, 2025). "Wednesday Ratings: President Biden's Farewell Address Attracts Audience of Over 20 Million Across Four Broadcast Networks and Three Cable News Outlets". Programming Insider. Retrieved January 16, 2025.
37. Pucci, Douglas (January 23, 2025). "Wednesday Ratings: Chicago Drama Trio Gives NBC the Prime Time Win". Programming Insider. Retrieved January 24, 2025.
38. Pucci, Douglas (January 30, 2025). "Wednesday Ratings: NBC Tops Prime Time with One Chicago Crossover". Programming Insider. Retrieved January 30, 2025.
39. Pucci, Douglas (February 6, 2025). "Wednesday Ratings: 'Super Bowl's Greatest Commercials' on CBS Steady in Demos from Year-Ago Special". Programming Insider. Retrieved February 6, 2025.

External links

• Official website
• Special Forces: World's Toughest Test at IMDb