Fox has officially unveiled the 15-person cast for Special Forces: World’s Toughest Test Season 5, a high-stakes reality series that places celebrities in simulated military selection environments. The upcoming season, produced by Minnow Films, moves the competition to the dense jungles of Malaysia. According to Fox, the series premieres Thursday, September 24 at 9 p.m. ET, with episodes streaming on Hulu the following day.
The Season 5 Cast Roster
The new recruits represent a mix of professional sports, reality television, and public office. The cast includes NBA champion Matt Barnes, world champion boxer Alycia Baumgardner, actress Candace Cameron Bure, actor David Charvet, and reality star Brandi Glanville. They are joined by former TV personality Collin Gosselin, actor Oliver Hudson, NFL Superbowl champion LeSean McCoy, Olympic figure skater Maxim Naumov, and actor Ruby Rose.
The lineup rounds out with former U.S. Congressman George Santos, comedian Hannah Stocking, Selling Sunset star Breana Tiesi, and Mauricio and Alexia Umansky, who appear on Buying Beverly Hills.
Did you know?
Unlike traditional reality competition shows, Special Forces: World’s Toughest Test features no votes and no eliminations. Participants remain in the experiment until they either voluntarily withdraw or are forced out by the Directing Staff for medical or performance reasons.
Jungle Warfare and Survival Training
The core of the show relies on training exercises modeled after authentic Special Forces selection protocols. Under the guidance of Directing Staff (DS) members Rudy Reyes, Billy Billingham, Jason “Foxy” Fox, and Jovon “Q” Quarles, recruits face extreme physical and psychological stressors. These tasks include navigating claustrophobic underground bunkers, retrieving supplies while suspended 300 feet above the jungle floor, and enduring chemical gassing while attempting to locate enemy vessel coordinates.
The shift to a jungle environment introduces unique variables. According to production notes, the recruits must contend with the most hostile terrain available for soldiers, forcing them to prioritize survival over the luxuries typically associated with their high-profile careers.
The Evolution of Celebrity Endurance Reality
If you are looking to track the progress of these specific recruits, episodes drop on Fox on Thursdays, with Hulu providing next-day streaming access for viewers who miss the initial broadcast.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who leads the training on Special Forces?
The training is led by an elite team of ex-special forces operatives: Rudy Reyes, Billy Billingham, Jason “Foxy” Fox, and Jovon “Q” Quarles.
How long do the celebrities stay in the competition?
There is no set duration or elimination schedule. The participants remain in the training program until they choose to leave or are pulled by the Directing Staff due to an inability to complete the tasks.
Where is Season 5 filmed?
The fifth season is filmed in the jungles of Malaysia, chosen to provide the most challenging, hostile environment for the recruits.
Are you planning to watch the new season? Let us know which cast member you think has the best chance of surviving the jungle in the comments below.