World's toughest soldiers face Malaysia's deadly jungle in new season

Season five of “Special Forces: World’s Toughest Test” premieres tonight, September 24, on FOX, as 15 new celebrity recruits face the nation’s most demanding physical and mental challenges. Fans are eager to see how the celebrities handle the challenges.

Contestants will be tested in a realistic United States Special Forces selection course staged in Malaysia, where they must endure extreme heat, night‑time marches, and psychological trials that push them to their limits.

These challenges are designed to evaluate not only physical prowess but also mental resilience, teamwork, and adaptability—qualities that define elite special operators.

Rudy Reyes, Jason Fox, Mark “Billy” Billingham and Jovon “Q” Quarles return as expert coaches to guide the new group through grueling drills and survival scenarios. Their expertise is crucial for evaluating each recruit’s progress and ensuring safety throughout the course.

The roster this season includes Brandi Glanville, Mauricio and Alexia Umansky, “Selling Sunset” star Bre Tiesi, actors Oliver Hudson and Candace Cameron‑Bure, former athletes LeSean McCoy and Matt Barnes, and ex‑politician George Santos. Their mix brings a range of skills, from to athleticism.

Tiesi said her former husband, NFL quarterback Johnny Manziel, pushed her to join after his own Season 4 experience. He warned her that discussing feelings with staff would be tough, but she remained steadfast.

Season five maintains FOX’s Thursday 9 p.m. ET slot, with new episodes airing weekly to capture viewers seeking high‑stakes competition after work. The network has kept this consistent time to build a loyal audience base.

The show’s production team has ensured that each episode follows the same structure: an introduction, a series of physically demanding tasks, and a debrief where contestants reflect on their performance. This format highlights both the intensity of training and the personal growth that occurs during the course.

The Malaysian training grounds replicate the harsh environments that U.S. Special Forces operate in, featuring dense jungles, high temperatures and limited water supplies. The course is designed to simulate real operational conditions.

In addition to physical trials, the show introduces psychological evaluations, including isolation exercises and problem‑solving tasks that require quick decision making under pressure. These evaluations test emotional stability and leadership under duress.

**Background & Context**

Fans anticipate Thursday evenings filled with adrenaline‑driven tests and personal revelations from contestants, highlighting both physical feats and emotional struggles. The series often exposes hidden vulnerabilities, making each episode a blend of competition and candid storytelling.

Expert coaches emphasize that safety and psychological support are as critical as the physical training in this grueling environment. They also point out that teamwork is essential for navigating the most demanding obstacles.

Viewers who lack cable can stream the show live through services offering free trials or discounted bundles, such as DIRECTV’s flexible plans with a five‑day free trial. This option allows audiences to sample the season risk‑free before committing.

FOX’s MyNews and MySports packs provide cost‑effective access, each including a five‑day trial before payment begins. Subscribers can enjoy not only “Special Forces” but also other FOX programming during the trial period.

**What People Are Saying**

The production team has kept a consistent Thursday schedule to build a loyal viewership, hoping ratings from previous seasons will translate into strong viewership for Season 5. Viewers will see the progression of challenges each week.

Contestants will confront personal challenges while navigating the toughest selection process, testing whether they meet the program’s high standards. The show’s structure rewards those who combine physical endurance with mental resilience.

Each Thursday episode will air at 9 p.m. ET, and fans can catch any missed episodes . The series continues to emphasize teamwork and perseverance as core themes.

**What Happens Next**

With a star‑packed cast and rigorous training, Season 5 of “Special Forces: World’s Toughest Test” promises fresh drama and intense competition for viewers who tune in each Thursday night. It promises to keep audiences on edge throughout the season.