At a Glance
- Alex Honnold’s ropeless climb of Taipei 101 was moved from Friday night to Saturday evening.
- Weather forecasts predict rain for the next 24 hours, prompting the change.
- The live broadcast will run with a 10-second delay.
- Honnold says the climb is a “sweet spot” that balances challenge and engagement.
Introduction
Netflix’s highly anticipated live event featuring ropeless climber Alex Honnold on Taipei 101 has been postponed by a day. The original Friday night slot was moved to 8 p.m. ET Saturday because meteorologists forecast rain, and the streaming service cited safety as its top priority. Fans of extreme sport and live streaming alike are watching closely as the world’s tallest skyscrapers become the stage for one of the most daring ascents in recent history.
What Happened
On Friday night, Netflix announced on X that the live climb would be rescheduled to Saturday at 8 p.m. ET. The change came after Taiwan public meteorologists reported rain in the forecast for the next 24 hours. “Safety remains our top priority, and we appreciate your understanding,” Netflix said.
Key Facts
- Original broadcast time: Friday night ET
- New broadcast time: Saturday 8 p.m. ET
- Weather: Rain expected within 24 hours
- Delay: 10-second broadcast delay
- Location: Taipei 101, 1,667-foot skyscraper
Alex Honnold and the Challenge
Alex Honnold is best known for his legendary ropeless ascent of Yosemite National Park’s El Capitan, which was documented in the film Free Solo. The 1,667-foot Taipei 101 presents a new frontier: a 1,667-foot wall that has never been climbed without ropes. Honnold, who has long sought to push his limits, says the climb is a “sweet spot” where it’s hard enough to be engaging for him and obviously an interesting climb.
> “I don’t think it’ll be that extreme,” Honnold said. “We’ll see. I think it’s the perfect sweet spot where it’s hard enough to be engaging for me and obviously an interesting climb.”
Honnold’s approach to climbing is rooted in a philosophy that values singular objectives. He told Amanda S. Bennett late last year, “When you look at climbing objectives, you look for things that are singular. Something like El Capitan where it’s way bigger and way prouder than all the things around it.”
The Broadcast and Its Timing
Netflix’s “Skyscraper Live” event will be streamed with a 10-second delay to accommodate live commentary and safety checks. The platform’s decision to push the event to Saturday reflects its commitment to viewer safety and a smooth production experience. The live feed will capture every inch of Honnold’s ascent, from the base of the tower to the summit, offering viewers an unprecedented look at the world’s tallest building.
Weather and Safety Considerations
Taiwan public meteorologists warned of rain across the city, prompting Netflix to delay the event. The safety of both the climber and the production crew was cited as the main reason for the reschedule. Honnold’s team, known for meticulous preparation, will likely review the updated weather data before finalizing the climb.
> “Safety remains our top priority, and we appreciate your understanding,” Netflix said.
The decision underscores the unpredictable nature of outdoor events and the importance of real-time weather monitoring. While the rain may add a dramatic element to the climb, it also raises concerns about footing, visibility, and equipment integrity.
Historical Context
Other climbers have tackled Taipei 101, but none without ropes. In 2004, French climber Alain Robert scaled the tower in celebration of its opening as the world’s tallest building. Robert’s ascent took nearly four hours, a testament to the difficulty of the structure. Honnold’s attempt marks the first ropeless climb of the skyscraper, pushing the envelope of what is possible in extreme sport.
The event also connects to the broader trend of live, immersive sports broadcasts. By streaming the climb in real time, Netflix is bringing a niche athletic pursuit to a global audience, blurring the lines between traditional television and interactive media.
Audience Impact
For viewers, the event is more than a stunt; it’s a cultural moment that highlights human ingenuity and daring. Fans of climbing, architecture, and extreme sports are drawn to the spectacle of a man scaling a building that once symbolized technological progress. The rescheduling may add anticipation, as audiences now have an extra day to build excitement.
The live broadcast also offers a platform for discussion about safety protocols in extreme sports. By publicly addressing weather concerns, Netflix demonstrates transparency and responsibility, potentially setting a standard for future live events.
Key Takeaways
- Alex Honnold’s ropeless climb of Taipei 101 has been moved to Saturday due to rain.
- The 10-second delay ensures safety checks and smooth production.
- Honnold’s approach focuses on singular, challenging objectives.
- The climb connects to historic ascents, including Alain Robert’s 2004 rope-free attempt.
- The event highlights the growing trend of live, immersive sports broadcasting.
Why it matters: The rescheduled climb underscores the importance of safety in extreme sport, while offering a unique cultural experience that blends architecture, adventure, and real-time media.
