Kody Brown’s Journey on Special Forces: A Man’s Pursuit of Respect

Kody Brown, the reality TV star known for his polygamous lifestyle on TLC’s “Sister Wives,” has ventured into new territory by joining Fox’s “Special Forces: World’s Toughest Test” for its fourth season. This career pivot introduces him to an even wider audience beyond those familiar with his complicated family dynamics. Brown, who began his television career documenting his life as a Mormon and later as a polygamist, now faces physical and mental challenges that test his resilience in ways far different from managing multiple marriages. His participation in this grueling competition show reveals aspects of his personality and worldview that might surprise viewers who only know him from “Sister Wives,” particularly his traditional perspectives on gender roles and his desire to prove himself as a man in his later years.

Brown’s personal life has undergone significant transformation in recent years. Once spiritually married to four women—Meri, Janelle, Christine, and Robyn—he now remains in a relationship only with Robyn, whom he legally married in December 2014 after adopting her three children from a previous marriage. The couple also shares two biological children, Solomon (13) and Ariella (9). His other marriages dissolved one after another: Christine announced their split in November 2021, followed by Janelle in December 2022, and finally Meri in January 2023. Despite these personal upheavals, Brown found support from Robyn for his “Special Forces” endeavor, though she initially seemed hesitant about his participation. “When they called me about Special Forces, I’m telling my wife, and she’s like, ‘We’re going to have to discuss this.’ One month went by, another month, we never discussed it,” Brown recalled in an exclusive interview with Us Weekly. “I’m like, ‘We’re not going to discuss it, are we?’ She says, ‘I know you’re going to do it. There’s no way I can stop you.'” This exchange highlights the dynamics of their relationship while also revealing Brown’s determination to challenge himself regardless of potential hesitation from his remaining wife.

For Brown, joining “Special Forces” represented more than just another television opportunity—it offered a chance to test his physical limits and redefine himself beyond the context of his failed marriages. “Maybe going was stupid, but it’s the kind of challenge that you almost relish,” he explained. “It’s like, in my age, the idea of having a purpose to get into the kind of shape you need to be for this was just marvelous. It was almost spiritual.” This statement suggests that Brown views physical challenges as a path to personal growth and spiritual fulfillment, particularly as he ages. The experience seems to have strengthened his relationship with Robyn in unexpected ways, as he noted, “We don’t want to watch each other on television, but she wants to watch me on Special Forces.” This comment hints at a shift in their dynamic, with Robyn taking interest in this new chapter of his life despite their usual aversion to watching themselves on screen.

Throughout his time on “Special Forces,” Brown has made several statements reflecting his traditional views on gender differences, which he acknowledges might be controversial. “I am going to say this at the risk of sounding sexist,” he admitted in a September 2025 confessional. “I think men want to be respected and women want to be loved. I don’t care if you love me, but I care if you respect me.” This statement encapsulates his perspective on the fundamental emotional needs of men versus women—a viewpoint that aligns with certain traditional gender role theories but may strike some viewers as outdated. Brown seems aware that his opinions might not be universally accepted in today’s society, yet he expresses them anyway, suggesting a confidence in his beliefs despite potential criticism. His participation in the physically demanding show appears to be connected to these views on masculinity, as he sees conquering difficult challenges as inherent to being a “good man.”

Brown’s philosophy regarding manhood becomes even clearer when he states during the season premiere, “To do hard things is to be good at being a man. Everyone once in a while you need proof of who you are.” This sentiment reveals how deeply he ties his identity to overcoming challenges and displaying strength—common traditional masculine ideals. For Brown, “Special Forces” isn’t merely a television show but a genuine opportunity to reaffirm his manhood and prove his worth, perhaps especially after the dissolution of three of his four marriages. The show provides him with concrete, physical challenges that allow him to demonstrate resilience in ways that are culturally recognized as masculine, potentially offering him a sense of validation he may have been seeking after the public failures of his relationships. This search for validation through physical prowess rather than interpersonal success highlights Brown’s prioritization of respect over emotional connection, consistent with his stated belief about what men fundamentally desire.

Despite embracing traditional notions of masculinity, Brown doesn’t view age as a limiting factor in his pursuit of challenges. When faced with difficult tasks on the show, he found motivation by thinking of his children, saying, “I want my children to see that I can do the impossible still. Keep the old man out.” This statement reveals his desire to be a role model for his numerous offspring, demonstrating that determination and courage can overcome the physical limitations that come with aging. It also suggests that Brown sees his performance on “Special Forces” as a way to redefine his legacy beyond the polygamous lifestyle that made him famous. After years of being known primarily for his unconventional marriages—most of which have now ended—Brown appears eager to establish a new narrative about himself as someone who faces challenges head-on and refuses to be limited by circumstances or expectations. For viewers who have followed his journey through “Sister Wives,” this evolution provides an interesting counterpoint to the relationship-focused persona they’ve come to know, offering a more multidimensional picture of a man striving to prove himself in unfamiliar territory far removed from the domestic dramas that first brought him fame.