Special Forces: World's Toughest Test

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Special Forces: World's Toughest Test
Also known asCelebrity SAS: Who Dares Wins USA[1]
GenreReality television
Based onSAS: Who Dares Wins
Presented by
Narrated byShaun Dooley
Country of originUnited States
Original languageEnglish
No. of seasons2
No. of episodes18
Production
Executive producers
  • Sophie Leonard
  • Alicia Kerr
  • Becky Clarke
Production companiesBanijay
Minnow Films
Original release
NetworkFox
ReleaseJanuary 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[edit]

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series, there are no formal elimination points; instead, contestants may voluntarily withdraw or be medically withdrawn at any point prior to completion.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 the final step of the course. In the British series, recruits may be culled for rule violations, but this is not the case in the American series.

Production[edit]

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]

Cast[edit]

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.[10] The series is narrated by Shaun Dooley.[11]

Recruits[edit]

Season 1 (Winter 2023)[edit]

Recruit Celebrity Known for Status (Episode number)
4 Hannah Brown The Bachelorette star Passed (10)
8 Carli Lloyd Former 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 and 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 and singer Voluntarily Withdrawn (3)
7 Montell Jordan Singer, “This Is How We Do It Medically Withdrawn (2)
12 Tyler Florence Chef Voluntarily Withdrawn (2)
3 Dr. Drew Pinsky Media personality and physician Medically Withdrawn (1)
11 Kate Gosselin Media personality Medically Withdrawn (1)

Season 2 (Fall 2023)[edit]

Recruit Celebrity Known for Status (Episode number)
5 Tyler Cameron The Bachelorette star Passed (8)
6 Erin Jackson Olympic roller derby & 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)

Episodes[edit]

Series overview[edit]

SeasonEpisodesOriginally aired
First airedLast aired
110January 4, 2023 (2023-01-04)March 1, 2023 (2023-03-01)
28September 25, 2023 (2023-09-25)November 27, 2023 (2023-11-27)

Season 1 (2023)[edit]

No.
overall
No. in
season
Title [12][13]Original air date [12][13]Prod.
code [12]
U.S. viewers
(millions)
11"Test of Character"January 4, 2023 (2023-01-04)SFT-1012.06[14]
22"Weakness"January 4, 2023 (2023-01-04)SFT-1022.06[14]
33"Mindset"January 11, 2023 (2023-01-11)SFT-1031.81[15]
44"Trust"January 18, 2023 (2023-01-18)SFT-1041.70[16]
55"Pressure"January 25, 2023 (2023-01-25)SFT-1051.73[17]
66"Fear"February 1, 2023 (2023-02-01)SFT-1061.77[18]
77"Resilience"February 8, 2023 (2023-02-08)SFT-1071.74[19]
88"Courage"February 15, 2023 (2023-02-15)SFT-1081.89[20]
99"Survival"February 22, 2023 (2023-02-22)SFT-1091.82[21]
1010"Interrogation"March 1, 2023 (2023-03-01)SFT-1101.62[22]

Season 2 (2023)[edit]

No.
overall
No. in
season
Title [12][23]Original air date [12][23]Prod.
code [12]
U.S. viewers
(millions)
111"Far From Home"September 25, 2023 (2023-09-25)SFT-2011.52[24]
122"Exposure"October 2, 2023 (2023-10-02)SFT-2021.36[25]
133"Panic"October 9, 2023 (2023-10-09)SFT-2031.29[26]
144"Character"October 16, 2023 (2023-10-16)SFT-2041.29[27]
155"Pressure"November 6, 2023 (2023-11-06)SFT-2051.17[28]
166"Survival"November 13, 2023 (2023-11-13)SFT-2061.23[29]
177"Grit"November 20, 2023 (2023-11-20)SFT-2071.16[30]
188"Capture"November 27, 2023 (2023-11-27)SFT-2081.17[31]

Ratings[edit]

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 [14]
2 "Weakness" January 4, 2023 Wednesday 9:00 p.m. 0.4 2.06 TBD TBD TBD TBD [14]
3 "Mindset" January 11, 2023 0.4 1.81 TBD TBD TBD TBD [15]
4 "Trust" January 18, 2023 0.3 1.70 TBD TBD TBD TBD [16]
5 "Pressure" January 25, 2023 0.3 1.73 TBD TBD TBD TBD [17]
6 "Fear" February 1, 2023 0.3 1.77 TBD TBD TBD TBD [18]
7 "Resilience" February 8, 2023 0.3 1.74 TBD TBD TBD TBD [19]
8 "Courage" February 15, 2023 0.4 1.89 TBD TBD TBD TBD [20]
9 "Survival" February 22, 2023 0.4 1.82 TBD TBD TBD TBD [21]
10 "Interrogation" March 1, 2023 0.3 1.62 TBD TBD TBD TBD [22]

References[edit]

  1. ^ "Celebrity SAS: Who Dares Wins USA | All 4". www.channel4.com.
  2. ^ a b "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. ^ a b 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. ^ 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.
  11. ^ Willets, Melissa (February 23, 2023). "Who Is the Special Forces Narrator? You've Probably Heard His Voice Before". Distractify. Retrieved March 20, 2023.
  12. ^ a b c d e f "Special Forces: World's Toughest Test Episode Listings". The Futon Critic.
  13. ^ a b "Special Forces: World's Toughest Test Episode Guide". Zap2it.
  14. ^ a b c d Metcalf, Mitch (January 5, 2023). "SHOWBUZZDAILY's Wednesday 1.4.2023 Top 150 Cable Originals & Network Finals UPDATED". Showbuzz Daily. Retrieved February 27, 2023.
  15. ^ a b Salem, Mitch (January 12, 2023). "SHOWBUZZDAILY's Wednesday 1.11.2023 Top 150 Cable Originals & Network Finals UPDATED". Showbuzz Daily. Retrieved February 27, 2023.
  16. ^ a b Metcalf, Mitch (January 19, 2023). "SHOWBUZZDAILY's Wednesday 1.18.2023 Top 150 Cable Originals & Network Finals UPDATED". Showbuzz Daily. Retrieved February 27, 2023.
  17. ^ a b Salem, Mitch (January 26, 2023). "SHOWBUZZDAILY's Wednesday 1.25.2023 Top 150 Cable Originals & Network Finals UPDATED". Showbuzz Daily. Retrieved February 27, 2023.
  18. ^ a b Salem, Mitch (February 2, 2023). "SHOWBUZZDAILY's Wednesday 2.1.2023 Top 150 Cable Originals & Network Finals UPDATED". Showbuzz Daily. Retrieved February 27, 2023.
  19. ^ a b Metcalf, Mitch (February 9, 2023). "SHOWBUZZDAILY's Wednesday 2.8.2023 Top 150 Cable Originals & Network Finals UPDATED". Showbuzz Daily. Retrieved February 27, 2023.
  20. ^ a b Salem, Mitch (February 16, 2023). "SHOWBUZZDAILY's Wednesday 2.15.2023 Top 150 Cable Originals & Network Finals UPDATED". Showbuzz Daily. Retrieved February 27, 2023.
  21. ^ a b Metcalf, Mitch (February 23, 2023). "SHOWBUZZDAILY's Wednesday 2.22.2023 Top 150 Cable Originals & Network Finals UPDATED". Showbuzz Daily. Retrieved February 27, 2023.
  22. ^ a b Salem, Mitch (March 2, 2023). "SHOWBUZZDAILY's Wednesday 3.1.2023 Top 150 Cable Originals & Network Finals UPDATED". Showbuzz Daily. Retrieved March 2, 2023.
  23. ^ a b "Special Forces: World's Toughest Test Episode Guide". Zap2it.
  24. ^ 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.
  25. ^ Douglas Pucci (October 3, 2023). "Monday Ratings: CBS Debuted Game Show 'Loteria Loca'". Programming Insider. Retrieved October 3, 2023.
  26. ^ 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.
  27. ^ 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.
  28. ^ Douglas Pucci (November 7, 2023). "Monday Ratings: ABC and ESPN Share Prime Time Leadership with NFL". Programming Insider. Retrieved November 8, 2023.
  29. ^ Douglas Pucci (November 15, 2023). "Monday Ratings: ESPN and ABC Continue Prime Time Dominance with 'Monday Night Football'". Programming Insider. Retrieved November 15, 2023.
  30. ^ 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.
  31. ^ Douglas Pucci (November 28, 2023). "Monday Ratings: CBS Special 'Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer' Returns for the Holidays". Programming Insider. Retrieved November 30, 2023.

External links[edit]