Netflix Delays Live Broadcast of Daring Skyscraper Climb Because of Rain

Netflix Ventures Into Live Events With Daring Skyscraper Climb

Photo Credit: Corey Rich/Netflix

Netflix is expanding its live content offerings with a bold new event: a real-time, rope-free ascent of Taipei 101, a 101-story skyscraper in Taiwan’s capital. This high-stakes spectacle, featuring renowned American free solo climber Alex Honnold, was scheduled to begin at 9 a.m. local time and broadcast to a global audience. However, due to inclement weather, Netflix announced a 24-hour delay, emphasizing that safety remains paramount.

Event Postponement and Audience Reaction

As rain forced the postponement, onlookers who had gathered at the site dispersed and production crews began to pack up. Taiwan’s Central Weather Administration has forecasted the possibility of more rain overnight and into the following morning, leaving the event’s timing uncertain.

A New Era for Climbing and Streaming

If the climb proceeds as planned, it will represent a significant shift for both Honnold and Netflix. The event moves away from the traditional format of edited climbing documentaries, instead offering a live, unfiltered experience to viewers worldwide. This marks Honnold’s first attempt at scaling a skyscraper, and the first time his daring feats will be witnessed live by both on-site spectators and streaming audiences.

“The biggest unknown for me is the mental aspect—how will it feel?” Honnold, 40, reflected a month before the scheduled climb. “I’ve never attempted a skyscraper before.”

Alex Honnold’s Legendary Career

Honnold is celebrated for his rope-free ascent of Yosemite’s El Capitan, a climb immortalized in an Academy Award-winning documentary. Widely regarded as one of the greatest rock climbers of his generation, he has set numerous records over decades. Yet, this event marks his debut on a man-made structure, and his first live-streamed climb.

Impact on Taiwan’s Global Image

The publicity surrounding this event has been a significant boost for Taiwan, which continues to seek greater international recognition amid ongoing tensions with China. While Beijing claims Taiwan as part of its territory, the island’s democratically elected government maintains its independence.

Climbing Taipei 101: A Unique Challenge

Since its opening in 2004, Taipei 101—once the world’s tallest building—has attracted climbers before. French urban climber Alain Robert, known as “Spider-Man,” scaled the tower with ropes in 2004, taking over four hours. Robert also holds records for climbing other iconic skyscrapers, such as Dubai’s Burj Khalifa. Honnold’s attempt, however, is unprecedented: he will climb without ropes, and the event will be broadcast live, raising the level of risk and excitement.

Technical and Psychological Obstacles

The building’s design features repeating overhanging “bamboo boxes,” intended to resemble bamboo stalks. Honnold has described the structure as both a technical and psychological test, with the repetitive architecture presenting a different kind of challenge compared to the unpredictability of natural rock formations.

Netflix’s Strategic Shift to Live Programming

This climb is part of Netflix’s broader initiative to deliver live events, aiming to create must-watch moments that stand out in a crowded streaming landscape. Over the past year, Netflix has broadcast live sports and entertainment, including WWE and NFL games, to attract new subscribers and boost advertising revenue.

Netflix’s Growth in Asia

Netflix currently reaches about 27% of households in Asia. Starting in March, the platform will be the exclusive home for World Baseball Classic games in Japan, a highly anticipated event following the country’s recent World Series triumphs by stars Shohei Ohtani and Yoshinobu Yamamoto.

Reporting assistance by Jane Lanhee Lee.

Story updated to reflect the event’s postponement.

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