Netflix Successfully Streams Alex Honnold’s Historic Taipei 101 Climb

2026-01-25 companies

Taipei, Sunday, 25 January 2026.
Netflix solidified its live event strategy as Alex Honnold completed a historic, ropeless 1,667-foot ascent of Taipei 101 in just 90 minutes, captivating global audiences.

A Vertical Feat Against the Elements

The ascent of the 508-meter (1,667-foot) Taipei 101 concluded on January 25, 2026, local time, with Honnold reaching the summit in 1 hour and 31 minutes [1][3][4]. This achievement marks the first time the skyscraper has been scaled without the use of ropes [1]. The event, produced by Plimsoll Productions, faced significant logistical hurdles; the climb was originally scheduled for the morning of January 24 but was postponed by approximately 24 hours due to rain, which Honnold noted made the surface impossible to grip safely [1][5][6]. Upon completion, the climber described the physical undertaking as “casual” despite the high winds encountered near the spire [1][5].

Engineering the Live Experience

Netflix (NFLX) structured the broadcast to balance viewer engagement with strict safety protocols. To mitigate the risks associated with a live fatality, the platform implemented a 10-second delay for the stream [1][3]. The production was anchored by a diverse team of hosts, including ESPN’s Elle Duncan, WWE Superstar Seth Rollins, and former NASA engineer Mark Rober, reflecting a strategy to blend sports analysis with entertainment spectacle [3]. This follows the company’s broader corporate profile of expanding into live programming to complement its on-demand library [7].

Technical Challenges and Execution

The technical complexity of the climb required Honnold to navigate three distinct sections: the 113-meter base “Slabs,” the vertical “Bamboo Boxes” which span eight balconies, and the final Tower [3]. The climber utilized L-shaped outcroppings and decorative dragon figures for handholds and footholds, a unique architectural feature of the building [1][3]. Following the climb, Honnold remarked on the novelty of the obstacles, stating, “This is probably the last time in my life that I’ll ever climb a dragon” [5].

Sources

Streaming Media Live Events