Netflix Delays Alex Honnold’s Taipei 101 Free Solo Climb Over Rain

Alex Honnold's planned free solo climb of Taipei 101 in Taiwan has been postponed by Netflix due to rain. The event, called Skyscraper Live, was set for Friday night US time but will now happen Saturday night US time, which is Sunday morning in Taiwan.

Background

Alex Honnold is a well-known climber who scales rock faces and buildings without ropes or safety gear. In 2017, he made a famous climb up El Capitan in Yosemite National Park. That climb was shown in the documentary Free Solo, which won an Oscar. Now, at age 40, he plans to tackle Taipei 101, a 1,667-foot tower with 101 stories. The building opened in 2004 and was the world's tallest until the Burj Khalifa took over in 2010. Its glass walls and balconies near the top make it a tough challenge.

Honnold has dreamed of climbing a skyscraper his whole life. He sees this as the biggest urban free solo ever. French climber Alain Robert climbed the same tower years ago, but he used ropes. Honnold wants to do it with nothing but his hands and feet. Netflix is streaming the attempt live to viewers around the world. The trailer shows Honnold talking about the fear that comes with such climbs. He says he has learned to handle it over the years.

"It's been a lifelong dream of mine to climb a skyscraper. So I'm going to be free-soloing Taipei 101, one of the tallest buildings in the world. No ropes, no gear, just me and the building." – Alex Honnold

The event has drawn a lot of attention. People talk about the risks, especially since Honnold is a father now. His family and friends know this is part of who he is. He has to stay fully focused to pull it off.

Key Details

The postponement came because of weather. Rain made the tower too dangerous for a free solo. Wet glass and metal could cause slips, and there is no room for error. If Honnold falls, there is no safety net. Netflix confirmed they would cut away from the broadcast if something went wrong, out of respect for safety.

Climb Logistics

The new time is 8 p.m. ET on Saturday, which lines up with early Sunday in Taiwan. Crews have prepared cameras all over the building to capture every move. Honnold has trained for months, studying the tower's surfaces. The climb starts at the base and goes up the outside, using ledges, balconies, and any holds he can find. The peak tapers to a point, adding to the difficulty. Viewers can watch on Netflix starting at the set time.

Teams checked the weather closely leading up to the original date. Forecasts showed steady rain, so the call was made to delay. Officials in Taiwan worked with Netflix to make sure all permits and safety rules were followed. The tower is in the heart of Taipei, a busy city spot. Local authorities support the event but stress caution.

Honnold arrived in Taiwan days ago to scout the route. He practiced on similar surfaces and tested his grip in wet conditions. His team includes spotters on the ground and medical staff nearby, though none can help during the solo part.

What This Means

The delay keeps everyone safe but builds more tension for the rescheduled climb. Fans who tuned in Friday night missed out, but Netflix says the full event will still air live. This shows how weather can change big plans, even for prepared events like this. Honnold gets extra time to rest and check conditions again.

For Netflix, the special is a big draw. It mixes extreme sports with live streaming, pulling in viewers who like thrills. The company has over 300 million members worldwide, and this could boost interest in their live content. Past climbs like Free Solo brought Honnold fame, and this could do the same or more.

The event raises questions about risks in sports. Free solo means death if you fall, as Honnold has said many times. No matter how much practice, accidents happen. Netflix's plan to cut away if needed protects viewers from seeing a tragedy. It also sparks talk about whether such climbs should be broadcast live.

In Taiwan, the climb puts Taipei 101 in the spotlight again. The tower draws tourists for its views and design. A successful ascent could bring more visitors. Local leaders see it as a way to show off the city's modern side.

Honnold's push keeps free solo climbing in the news. He has done many hard climbs, but this urban one stands out. Reaching the top without ropes would set a record. Even with the delay, the world waits to see if he makes it.

The reschedule gives time for better weather checks. Teams watch forecasts hour by hour. If rain hits again, another delay is possible. Honnold stays ready, knowing each day brings new chances. His focus remains on the task, step by step up the tower.