Kody Brown Cries on Special Forces Over ‘Failures’ as a Father

Kody Brown is facing his biggest regrets of the past. The Sister Wives star, 57, has had to overcome many challenges during his time on Special Forces: World’s Toughest Test, both physically and mentally. In PEOPLE’s exclusive clip of the upcoming Nov. 6 episode, Brown breaks down while reflecting on his shortcomings as a father to his 18 children.

“Do you feel that you’re taking your proper responsibility in the fallout of your kids?” former U.S. Marine Rudy Reyes asks. “I don’t want to admit I’m wrong sometimes,” Brown says. “I don’t like being wrong.”

While he claims, “There was a point in my life when I was concerned about everybody,” former SAS Operator Mark “Billy” Billingham interrupts: “You’re concerned about everybody as long as they sang to your tune. As long as they agree with everything you believe in. I don’t think you’re being honest with me.”

“I’m the discrepancy,” Brown confesses. “I should have had a stronger relationship with my children.” When pushed to take “ownership” of his mistakes, the TLC reality star explains why he thinks he wasn’t a better parent. “I’m at a place in my life now where I’m very willing to say that I’ve been wrong,” he says as he begins to sob.

Brown adds, “My failures were because I didn’t know about being a good dad and husband, and I thought I did. I really thought I did, and I misunderstood that. I did it wrong in so many ways, and I hated being blamed for it, and so it made me resistant to ownership.”

Reyes then labels Brown’s mindset as “very adolescent,” while Billingham reminds him that the fault lies with him. “When you really f—— own that, you’ll do something about it,” Billingham adds. “Dig deep and keep going.”

“Yes,” Brown replies.

Brown welcomed a total of 18 children during his time in a plural marriage with his three former wives — Meri Brown, Janelle Brown and Christine Brown, who split from Kody in 2021 and 2022 — and current wife Robyn Brown. He shares Leon with Meri; Logan, Madison, Hunter, Gabriel and Savanah, along with Garrison, who died by suicide in 2024, with Janelle; Aspyn, Mykelti, Paedon, Gwendlyn, Ysabel and Truely with Christine; and Solomon and Ariella with Robyn, as well as David, Aurora, Breanna, whom she had during a previous marriage and Kody later adopted.

Special Forces: World’s Toughest Test airs Thursdays at 9 p.m. ET/PT on Fox.