Parents' Guide to

Special Forces: World’s Toughest Test

By Melissa Camacho, Common Sense Media Reviewer

age 13+

Celebs challenged by grueling military training.

TV Fox Reality TV 2023
Show poster.

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age 13+

Based on 1 parent review

Rachelle S.
Rachelle S. Parent of 15-year-old
September 25, 2023
age 13+

Not “real civilians”

These people on this show do not live “real civilian life.” How about a regular single mom? The blue-collar construction worker. I love the concept but VERY disheartening that these are all RICH movie star athlete model types complaining about their hard times. It is disappointing because they have yet another platform for accolades. No. Should be regular true to life people.
See all 1 parent review

What's the Story?

SPECIAL FORCES: WORLD'S TOUGHEST TEST is a reality series featuring celebrities who participate in grueling exercises to see if they have what it takes to pass the Special Forces selection process. Sixteen personalities from sports, entertainment, politics, and business travel to a Jordanian desert and spend ten days as "recruits" in harsh conditions while trying to survive military training drills designed to test their physical, mental, and emotional strength. They are led by former Navy Seal Remi Adeleke, former British Special Air Service Warrant Officer Class 1 Mike "Billy" Billingham, former U.S. Marine Rudy Reyes, and Jason Fox, a former Royal Marine. The celebs know that they can leave if it gets too tough, and that they will have to go if they are injured or if the staff determines the they aren't up to the task. But they each want to prove to themselves that they can push through.

Is It Any Good?

Our review:
Parents say: (1 ):
Kids say: Not yet rated

This predictable unscripted series features a diverse group of pop culture personalities pushing themselves to survive grueling exercises that most people wouldn't dream of trying. As actors like Jamie Lynn Spears, reality stars like Kenya Moore, politicians like Anthony Scaramucci, athletes like Gus Kenworthy, and singers like Mel B. push themselves to the limit as they jump from helicopters and zip line across crevasses, they experience the inevitable breakdowns and personal breakthroughs that one expects from these sorts of challenges. Meanwhile, the theatrics of the "staff," all of whom are both ex-military and entertainment personalities in their own right, are designed to to make the overall series feel more edgy. Special Forces: World's Toughest Test also feels raw as the celebrity recruits openly cope with aging bodies, past traumas, and failures.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about what training is really like for people in the military. How many men and women make it through training and successfully become a member of the Special Forces?

  • Are the celebrities on Special Forces: World's Toughest Test being paid for appearing on the series? Or are they simply trying to prove something to themselves and others?

TV Details

Did we miss something on diversity?

Research shows a connection between kids' healthy self-esteem and positive portrayals in media. That's why we've added a new "Diverse Representations" section to our reviews that will be rolling out on an ongoing basis. You can help us help kids by suggesting a diversity update.

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