UPDATE: Netflix has postponed Alex Honnold’s live climb of Taipei 101 to Saturday at 8 p.m. ET.
Alex Honnold is set to attempt one of the most ambitious climbs of his career, scaling Taiwan’s Taipei 101 without ropes or a harness in a live Netflix broadcast that blends extreme sports with appointment television. The event, originally scheduled for Jan. 23, 2026, at 8 p.m. ET, has been postponed to Jan. 24, 2026, at 8 p.m. ET due to weather conditions.
The free solo climber, best known for his Oscar-winning documentary “Free Solo”, will ascend the 1,667-foot skyscraper during “Skyscraper Live,” a two-hour special airing Saturday at 8 p.m. ET on Netflix. The delay comes after Netflix announced the live broadcast would not go ahead on Friday as originally planned.
Netflix executives described the climb as an evolution of the platform’s unscripted programming, combining real-time storytelling with the unpredictability of elite sport. For Honnold, the climb represents a new frontier, moving his signature style from natural rock faces to an urban structure engineered for wind, weather, and vertical extremes.
A Skyscraper Built for Challenge
Completed in 2004, Taipei 101 was once the tallest building in the world and remains an architectural landmark in Taiwan. Its exterior features stacked sections often referred to as “bamboo boxes,” a design meant to evoke strength and flexibility. Each segment creates overhangs and ledges that add complexity to the climb.
Honnold said the building’s geometry makes the ascent physically demanding in a way that differs from traditional rock climbing. According to Netflix’s Tudum, the climber trained extensively to prepare for long vertical stretches broken up by brief resting points at the building’s balconies.
While the climb lacks ropes or harnesses, the structure itself offers some limited margins for error. Balconies and architectural breaks could potentially interrupt a fall, though Honnold has emphasized that the climb remains inherently dangerous.
Managing Risk on a Global Stage
To address safety concerns, Netflix implemented a 10-second broadcast delay. The delay allows producers to cut away in the event of a catastrophic accident, according to Netflix.
Honnold acknowledged the risks involved and said the live format adds a psychological challenge beyond the physical climb. He told reporters that performing in real time requires complete focus, particularly when millions of viewers watch simultaneously.
The decision to air the climb live has drawn mixed reactions. Some climbers and fans praised the transparency and athleticism of the event, while others questioned whether broadcasting such a dangerous feat crosses an ethical line. Industry analysts noted that the special reflects Netflix’s broader push into live programming following sports and comedy broadcasts.
Despite the debate, anticipation remains high. Netflix expects a global audience drawn by the mix of suspense, spectacle, and Honnold’s reputation for meticulous preparation.
As Honnold begins his ascent, viewers will not just watch a climber scale steel and glass. They will witness a moment where preparation meets uncertainty, and where entertainment hinges on one person’s ability to keep moving upward.
