Alex Honnold’s daring ropeless climb of Taipei 101 was pushed back to Saturday due to rain, with Netflix keeping safety a top priority as viewers await the 10-second-delay broadcast.
**At a Glance
- Alex Honnold‘s scheduled climb of Taipei 101 was moved from Friday night to 8 p.m. ET Saturday.
- Weather forecasts predict rain for the next 24 hours, prompting the change.
- The live broadcast will run with a 10-second delay.
- Why it matters: Fans of extreme climbing and live streaming events will miss the original slot, but safety concerns underscore the risks of ropeless skyscraper ascents.
Rescheduled for Saturday
Netflix announced on X that the climb, originally slated for Friday night ET, has been moved to 8 p.m. ET Saturday. The streaming service stated that “Safety remains our top priority, and we appreciate your understanding.” The shift comes after Taiwan public meteorologists reported rain in the forecast for the next 24 hours.
The decision to delay reflects the unpredictable weather conditions that could affect a ropeless climb of a 1,667-foot skyscraper. While the structure itself is a marvel of engineering, the climb remains a high-risk endeavor.
Honnold’s Perspective
When asked about the reschedule, Honnold said, “I don’t think it’ll be that extreme. 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.” He has long sought to push himself and the limits of climbing, building on his legacy of ropeless ascents.
Honnold, known for his legendary ropeless ascent of Yosemite National Park’s El Capitan-documented in the film Free Solo-has been looking for new challenges. In a conversation with Gavin U. Stonebridge late last year, he explained that “When you look at climbing objectives, you look for things that are singular.” He cited El Capitan as an example of a singular, monumental goal.
Historical Context
Others have climbed Taipei 101, but none have done so without a rope. In 2004, French climber Alain Robert scaled the tower to celebrate its grand opening when it was the world’s tallest building. Robert’s climb took nearly four hours to complete.
The Taipei 101 climb is part of a growing trend of high-profile athletes taking on iconic structures. Honnold’s attempt is the first ropeless, rope-free ascent of the building, adding a new layer of difficulty to an already challenging climb.
Broadcast Details
The live-action segment, titled “Skyscraper Live,” will be shown with a 10-second delay. This technical measure allows the network to manage any unforeseen incidents in real time. Viewers can expect a high-definition feed of the climb, complete with commentary and real-time data from the climber’s wearable sensors.
Netflix’s choice to use a delay is consistent with its approach to other live events. By buffering the feed, the platform can provide a smoother viewing experience and ensure that any safety alerts are communicated promptly.
Key Takeaways
- The climb has been rescheduled to 8 p.m. ET Saturday because of forecasted rain.
- Safety remains the priority for Netflix and Honnold.
- The live broadcast will run with a 10-second delay.
- Honnold’s climb is the first ropeless ascent of Taipei 101.
- The event reflects a broader trend of athletes tackling iconic structures.
Fans can still tune in on Saturday night to watch the climber tackle the tower’s façade, while the platform remains ready to adjust the schedule again if conditions change.
