How to Watch Special Forces: World's Toughest Test Season 5 on DIRECTV, Free and On Demand
FOX's celebrity boot camp is back. Special Forces: World's Toughest Test Season 5 premieres Thursday, September 24, 2026, at 9 p.m. ET/PT on FOX, with new one-hour episodes on Thursday nights. If you want to watch live, catch it free, or stream it the next day, you have options, and DIRECTV covers the live side whether you have satellite or streaming service.
Here is when it airs, what is different this season, and every practical way to watch.
When Special Forces Season 5 airs
- Premiere: Thursday, September 24, 2026
- Time: 9 to 10 p.m. ET/PT (check local listings in other time zones)
- Network: FOX
- Schedule: new episodes on Thursdays
- Next-day streaming: Hulu, starting the day after each broadcast
What's new this season
Season 5 drops its celebrity recruits into the jungle of Malaysia, which FOX describes as the most hostile environment a soldier can operate in. The tasks lean hard into jungle warfare: searching a cramped underground bunker for weapons, retrieving supplies while suspended high above the jungle floor, and pushing through chemical gas to recover enemy coordinates.
The format stays the same. There are no audience votes and no eliminations. Recruits stay until they quit, get hurt, fail, or are pulled by the Directing Staff, who this season are Rudy Reyes, Billy Billingham, Jason "Foxy" Fox and Jovon "Q" Quarles.
The 15 celebrity recruits are Matt Barnes, Alycia Baumgardner, Candace Cameron Bure, David Charvet, Brandi Glanville, Collin Gosselin, Oliver Hudson, LeSean McCoy, Maxim Naumov, Ruby Rose, George Santos, Hannah Stocking, Breana Tiesi, Alexia Umansky and Mauricio Umansky. That is a mix of pro athletes, actors, reality stars, a comedian, an Olympic figure skater and a former member of Congress.
Watch live on DIRECTV
Special Forces airs on your local FOX station, so the key is making sure your DIRECTV plan includes locals in your area.
DIRECTV satellite
DIRECTV satellite packages include local channels where available. Your FOX affiliate's channel number depends on where you live, so check your on-screen guide or search "FOX" to find it.
DIRECTV streaming
DIRECTV's streaming Signature packages include local channels where available. Among the lower-cost Genre Packs, the MyNews lineup lists local FOX, though local availability still varies by market. Enter your ZIP code before you order to confirm your local FOX station is included.
Streaming customers can watch on a TV through a supported streaming device or smart TV, or on the go with the DIRECTV app. Cloud DVR is included with DIRECTV streaming plans, so you can record the series and watch whenever you like.
How to watch Special Forces for free
Start a DIRECTV free trial
DIRECTV has been offering new streaming customers a five-day free trial on its streaming plans. If your package includes your local FOX station, that is enough time to catch the premiere live and try out the service. Just remember the plan renews automatically at the regular monthly rate unless you cancel before the trial ends, so set a reminder if you are only testing the waters.
Use an antenna
FOX is a broadcast network, so if you live within range of your local FOX station, an indoor or rooftop antenna can pull in the signal for free. Reception depends on your distance from the tower, terrain and building materials.
How to watch on demand
- Hulu: episodes stream on Hulu the day after they air, beginning Friday, September 25.
- FOX One: FOX's own streaming service carries the network live.
- DIRECTV cloud DVR: set a series recording on DIRECTV streaming and every new episode is waiting for you, with no need to rely on a separate app.
Tips so you don't miss an episode
- Confirm your local FOX channel before Thursday night, especially if you just switched providers.
- Set a series recording rather than a single-episode recording.
- If you are on a free trial, note the end date and decide before it renews.
- Streaming on a TV? Use a wired connection or strong Wi-Fi to avoid buffering during the big moments.
Get DIRECTV in time for Thursday nights
Whether you want satellite with local channels or a flexible streaming plan with cloud DVR, American TV can help you compare packages and get set up. Check DIRECTV availability at your address or call American TV at 1-855-690-9884 to order.
Frequently asked questions
What time is Special Forces: World's Toughest Test on tonight?
Season 5 airs at 9 p.m. ET/PT on FOX, with the premiere on Thursday, September 24, 2026, and new episodes on Thursdays.
Can I watch Special Forces on DIRECTV?
Yes. It airs on your local FOX station, which is included with DIRECTV packages that carry local channels in your market.
Where can I stream Special Forces the next day?
New episodes stream on Hulu the day after they air.
Is there a way to watch for free?
DIRECTV's five-day free trial for new streaming customers can cover a live episode if your plan includes local FOX. An antenna is another free option if you are in range of a FOX station.
Are there eliminations on Special Forces?
No. There are no votes or eliminations. Recruits leave only if they quit, are injured, fail, or are removed by the Directing Staff.
Details reviewed September 24, 2026. Schedules, trial terms, local channel availability and streaming options are subject to change and vary by market. DIRECTV and related marks belong to their respective owners. American TV is an independent dealer and resource site.