Jussie Smollett is back in the spotlight — and this time, he's swapping scripts for survival. The former Empire star is joining the cast of FOX’s intense reality competition Special Forces: World’s Toughest Test Season 4, marking his most high-profile television appearance since his highly publicized legal troubles began in 2019.
Set to premiere on September 25, 2025, the new season promises high-stakes challenges, a diverse celebrity cast, and a lot of buzz — especially with Smollett’s surprising return to the network where his rise to fame first began.
The show, known for pushing celebrity contestants through military-style survival training, offers Smollett an unexpected platform for a possible image rehabilitation and public reintroduction.
This isn’t a game show with eliminations — instead, the only way out is to voluntarily withdraw, suffer a medical elimination, or complete the entire grueling course.
His participation in Special Forces could signal the beginning of a broader comeback attempt, allowing audiences to see him in a raw, stripped-down, and vulnerable format — very different from his past roles in scripted drama.
Jussie Smollett returns on Special Forces Season 4 premiering September 25, 2025.
Q2: What is Special Forces: World’s Toughest Test about?
It’s a Fox reality show where celebrities face real military-style survival challenges.
Set to premiere on September 25, 2025, the new season promises high-stakes challenges, a diverse celebrity cast, and a lot of buzz — especially with Smollett’s surprising return to the network where his rise to fame first began.
Jussie Smollett joins Special Forces Season 4 on Fox
Jussie Smollett’s inclusion in Special Forces: World’s Toughest Test Season 4 is making headlines across Hollywood. After stepping away from the limelight following the fallout from the staged hate crime allegations tied to his exit from Empire, Smollett now appears to be embracing a new chapter in his public life — one filled with grit, redemption, and physical endurance.The show, known for pushing celebrity contestants through military-style survival training, offers Smollett an unexpected platform for a possible image rehabilitation and public reintroduction.
What is Special Forces: World’s Toughest Test about?
FOX’s Special Forces: World’s Toughest Test is not your average reality TV show. The competition places 18 celebrities in extreme environments, subjecting them to real-life Special Forces training simulations. Contestants are stripped of comforts and treated like military recruits, taking on brutal tasks such as bridge jumps, helicopter climbs, freezing swims, and other high-risk drills that test mental toughness and teamwork.This isn’t a game show with eliminations — instead, the only way out is to voluntarily withdraw, suffer a medical elimination, or complete the entire grueling course.
Full celebrity cast for Season 4 revealed
Season 4 features a fresh lineup of stars from reality TV, professional sports, acting, and social media fame. Alongside Jussie Smollett, the cast includes:- Teresa Giudice (Real Housewives of New Jersey)
- Gia Giudice (her daughter and influencer)
- Eva Marcille (model and Real Housewives of Atlanta alum)
- Johnny Manziel (former NFL quarterback)
- Randall Cobb (NFL wide receiver)
- Nick Young (former NBA star)
- Chanel Iman (model)
- Shawn Johnson East (Olympic gymnast) and Andrew East (NFL long snapper)
- Ravi V. Patel (actor and producer)
- Brittany Cartwright (Vanderpump Rules)
- Larsa Pippen (reality star)
- And others
Jussie Smollett’s return to Fox after legal controversy
Jussie Smollett’s return to the Fox network is particularly notable given the scandal that forced his exit from Empire in 2019. He was accused — and later convicted — of faking a hate crime in Chicago, which triggered widespread media attention and industry backlash. In 2022, he was sentenced to jail time but released pending appeal. He also reached a settlement involving a $50,000 payment to charity.His participation in Special Forces could signal the beginning of a broader comeback attempt, allowing audiences to see him in a raw, stripped-down, and vulnerable format — very different from his past roles in scripted drama.
When and where to watch Special Forces Season 4
The new season of Special Forces: World’s Toughest Test premieres on Thursday, September 25, 2025, at 9 p.m. ET/PT on FOX. Episodes will also be available to stream on Hulu the following day. The show is currently being filmed on location in Morocco, adding to the intense, rugged backdrop of the survival-style competition.Why this season is already trending
The casting of Jussie Smollett, combined with the presence of high-profile stars like Teresa Giudice, Johnny Manziel, and Chanel Iman, has catapulted Season 4 into early trending territory across entertainment media and social platforms. With celebrity comebacks, emotional breakthroughs, and extreme physical challenges, the season is already shaping up to be the most buzz-worthy yet.Smollett’s risky but strategic TV return
While Special Forces is about physical endurance, Jussie Smollett’s appearance is clearly also about emotional resilience and public perception. Whether it serves as a sincere act of redemption or a calculated move to regain Hollywood footing, one thing is certain: Smollett is once again in the national spotlight — and this time, he’ll be fighting to prove his strength, both inside and out.FAQs:
Q1: When does Jussie Smollett return to TV on Fox?Jussie Smollett returns on Special Forces Season 4 premiering September 25, 2025.
Q2: What is Special Forces: World’s Toughest Test about?
It’s a Fox reality show where celebrities face real military-style survival challenges.
