What's Happening?
Netflix's live broadcast of Alex Honnold's climb of Taipei 101, titled Skyscraper Live, attracted 6.2 million viewers, making it the platform's third-most-watched program for the week of January 19. Honnold,
known for his free solo ascent of Yosemite's El Capitan, tackled the 1,667-foot skyscraper without ropes, a feat that took approximately 95 minutes. The climb was challenging due to the building's pagoda-style architecture, which includes repeated overhangs and steep surfaces. Despite the broadcast being delayed by a day due to weather conditions in Taiwan, it was a significant event for Netflix Sports, which continues to expand its offerings.
Why It's Important?
The successful broadcast of Skyscraper Live highlights Netflix's growing interest in sports programming, particularly niche sports that attract dedicated audiences. Alex Honnold's climb not only showcases his climbing prowess but also demonstrates the potential for live sports events to draw substantial viewership on streaming platforms. This event contributes to Netflix's strategy to diversify its content and compete with traditional sports broadcasters. The viewership numbers, while not as high as some of Netflix's major live events, indicate a strong interest in unique sports challenges, potentially influencing future programming decisions.
What's Next?
Netflix's sports programming slate for 2026 includes new MLB coverage and a heavyweight boxing match between Tyson Fury and Arslanbek Makhmudov scheduled for April 11. The success of Skyscraper Live may encourage Netflix to explore more live sports events, particularly those involving extreme sports or unique challenges. As streaming platforms continue to vie for sports content, Netflix's approach could lead to increased competition with traditional broadcasters and other streaming services, potentially reshaping the sports media landscape.
