Reality television has long been a platform for celebrities to show their resilience and personal journeys. Recently, two stars from the hit series Special Forces: World’s Toughest Test shared their unique experiences: Savannah Chrisley and Brody Jenner.
After leaving the competition midway through Season 2, Savannah Chrisley expressed eagerness for the chance to give it another go. During her appearance on the Unlocked podcast, she opened up about the reasons for her departure from the grueling show. "I’ve said I wish they would do a reunion season of bringing different people from different seasons together," Chrisley remarked. Her co-host Ali Manno, who had to withdraw from Season 3 after injuring herself, strongly supported the idea, calling it “redemption.”
"Oh, I would. I would go back in a heartbeat. Because now I know what to expect," Chrisley affirmed. The 25-year-old reality star's decision to leave wasn’t taken lightly—she had only joined months after her parents, Todd and Julie Chrisley, began serving prison sentences for tax evasion and bank fraud. Taking on the role of guardian for her younger brother Grayson and niece Chloe had weighed heavily on her at the time.
Reflecting on the difficult choice, Chrisley said, "I was like, ‘Alright, I showed up, I did what I could, and life is so short. Do I really want to spend another five days or how long in this environment, or am I ready to get home?’ I wanted to be with the kids. I wanted to [visit] my parents." This emotional conflict showcases the pressures of balancing personal responsibilities with the demands of reality TV—a central theme among many participants.
Meanwhile, Brody Jenner, also competing on Special Forces, discussed his connection to the infamous Kardashian family on The Viall Files podcast. Despite being stepsiblings to Kim, Kourtney, and Khloé Kardashian—due to their shared parent Caitlyn Jenner—Brody admitted, "I love them all to death. I just don’t see them." He recently reunited with them for Caitlyn’s birthday, yet remarked, "They’re just busy, man. They’re doing their thing."
The Hills star later elaborated about the dynamics within his extended family, explaining, "We didn’t grow up in the same household, so it’s not like it’s any different. But when we do see each other, it’s like no time has passed." Jenner also made note of his relationships with his half-sisters, Kylie and Kendall, stating, "It’s not their fault, it’s not my fault, it’s not anybody’s fault." Their shared upbringing, divided across households, created gaps but also maintained mutual support.
Jenner's conversation then turned to his complicated past with Caitlyn, who reached out with a heartfelt apology. "I just wanted to really apologize to you, sincerely, about all the years when I fked up. I really fked up," Caitlyn said. Brody acknowledged the difficulty of their relationship yet offered insight on healing, stating, "The ability to forgive and move forward is therapeutic." These reflections reveal personal layers often hidden beneath the glamour of celebrity life.
Both celebrities demonstrate how reality television not only provides entertainment but offers a lens through which audiences can view their growth, struggles, and journeys toward personal redemption. From Chrisley’s desire to tackle her challenges head-on again to Jenner’s approach to familial forgiveness, they contribute unique narratives to the wide-ranging discussion about being human—celebrity status notwithstanding.
Special Forces: World’s Toughest Test airs Wednesdays at 8/7c on Fox, showcasing the trials and tribulations of its contestants, who take on challenges inspired by actual military training. The mix of physical endurance and emotional resilience forms the backbone of the series, leaving viewers both entertained and engaged with the participants’ personal stories.