Netflix delayed Alex Honnold’s high-stakes Taipei 101 climb after rain made conditions unsafe, pushing the live event to Saturday night.
Netflix is putting safety first after postponing “Skyscraper Live,” its highly anticipated live event starring free solo climbing legend Alex Honnold.
The daring broadcast, which was set to follow Honnold as he scales Taiwan’s iconic Taipei 101 skyscraper, has been delayed due to rainy weather conditions.
The streamer announced Friday that rain made it unsafe to move forward as planned. The live climb will now air Saturday, January 24 at 8 p.m. ET / 5 p.m. PT, which corresponds to Sunday morning local time in Taiwan.
“Safety remains our top priority, and we appreciate your understanding,” Netflix said in a statement, confirming the reschedule.
The event was always designed with flexibility in mind. Executives and producers involved in the project had previously acknowledged that weather could be a major factor — even though January typically falls during Taiwan’s drier season.
Rain was forecast to arrive just as Honnold was expected to begin his ascent, raising concerns about moisture on the building’s surface.
Speaking earlier to Variety, James Smith, head of adventure at Plimsoll Productions, explained that the team would not rush the climb under risky conditions. “Alex has to be 100% comfortable,” Smith said, emphasizing that both the climber and the safety team must fully sign off before proceeding.
Netflix’s unscripted VP Jeff Gaspin likened the planning process to launching a space shuttle, noting that the crew is prepared to wait out bad conditions — but only for a limited window. Taipei 101 can only be climbed safely during certain months, with heavy rains dominating much of the year.
Honnold, best known for his jaw-dropping free solo climb of El Capitan in Free Solo, has built his reputation on precision, patience, and calculated risk — not reckless speed.
For now, fans will have to wait one more day to watch him take on one of the tallest buildings in the world. And if the weather cooperates, Saturday night could still deliver a breathtaking moment of live TV history.
PHOTO CREDIT: Alex Honnold/Instagram
