What is the story about?
A planned live Netflix event featuring climber Alex Honnold scaling Taipei 101 has been postponed by 24 hours due to weather conditions in Taiwan. The announcement was made on Friday, hours before the broadcast in the United States.
The climb, set to stream live on Netflix, will now begin on Saturday night in the US, with the attempt taking place Sunday local time in Taiwan. Netflix said the decision was made after rain moved into the area around the tower.
“Safety remains our top priority, and we appreciate your understanding,” the company said in a brief statement.
What the Taipei 101 climb involved
The event was promoted as a one-night live special. Honnold was set to attempt a free solo climb of Taipei 101, a 1,667-foot skyscraper that once held the title of the tallest building in the world.
The route was designed in three stages, each posing different risks. Unlike natural rock faces, the building presents smooth surfaces, exposed sections, and limited natural grip points. No ropes. No safety harness.
Why it was delayed
Rain fell across Taipei on Friday, making the exterior of the building unsafe for climbing. Honnold later confirmed the delay himself in a post on X, writing that weather conditions made the attempt impossible for the day. He added that he hoped conditions would improve and said the climb would be attempted at the same time the following night.
The live broadcast has been rescheduled for 8 p.m. ET on Saturday, according to Netflix.
Who Alex Honnold is
Honnold, 40, is widely regarded as one of the most accomplished climbers in the world. He rose to international recognition in 2017 after becoming the first person to free solo El Capitan in Yosemite National Park - a climb completed without ropes or protective gear.
That ascent was documented in the 2018 film Free Solo, which went on to win an Academy Award.
Since then, Honnold has taken on fewer but more carefully planned projects, often tied to long-term goals rather than speed or spectacle.
New date and time for Netflix live broadcast
If weather conditions improve, the Taipei 101 climb will go ahead as scheduled this weekend. Netflix has not indicated any further changes.
For now, the attempt is paused, not cancelled, as everyone is just waiting on clear skies.
The climb, set to stream live on Netflix, will now begin on Saturday night in the US, with the attempt taking place Sunday local time in Taiwan. Netflix said the decision was made after rain moved into the area around the tower.
“Safety remains our top priority, and we appreciate your understanding,” the company said in a brief statement.
Due to weather, we are unable to proceed with today’s #SkyscraperLIVE event.
It has been rescheduled for Saturday, January 24 at 8 PM ET | 5 PM PT. Safety remains our top priority, and we appreciate your understanding. pic.twitter.com/FtNvSug48y
— Netflix (@netflix) January 24, 2026
What the Taipei 101 climb involved
The event was promoted as a one-night live special. Honnold was set to attempt a free solo climb of Taipei 101, a 1,667-foot skyscraper that once held the title of the tallest building in the world.
.@AlexHonnold is one of the greatest climbers the world has ever seen. Tonight,
he takes on a lifelong dream, free soloing one of the tallest buildings in the world: Taipei 101.
His three stage route will pose challenges & dangers unlike any he's ever faced ???? #SkyscraperLIVE pic.twitter.com/D7KtuWcp9Q
— Netflix Sports (@netflixsports) January 23, 2026
The route was designed in three stages, each posing different risks. Unlike natural rock faces, the building presents smooth surfaces, exposed sections, and limited natural grip points. No ropes. No safety harness.
Why it was delayed
Rain fell across Taipei on Friday, making the exterior of the building unsafe for climbing. Honnold later confirmed the delay himself in a post on X, writing that weather conditions made the attempt impossible for the day. He added that he hoped conditions would improve and said the climb would be attempted at the same time the following night.
Sadly it’s raining in Taipei right now so I don’t get to go climbing today. But I’ve been really touched by all the support and well wishes from folks - hopefully the weather improves and I get an opportunity to climb the beautiful Taipei 101. Fingers crossed! Same time tomorrow… pic.twitter.com/vFZGjItM1r
— Alex Honnold (@AlexHonnold) January 24, 2026
The live broadcast has been rescheduled for 8 p.m. ET on Saturday, according to Netflix.
Who Alex Honnold is
Honnold, 40, is widely regarded as one of the most accomplished climbers in the world. He rose to international recognition in 2017 after becoming the first person to free solo El Capitan in Yosemite National Park - a climb completed without ropes or protective gear.
That ascent was documented in the 2018 film Free Solo, which went on to win an Academy Award.
Since then, Honnold has taken on fewer but more carefully planned projects, often tied to long-term goals rather than speed or spectacle.
New date and time for Netflix live broadcast
If weather conditions improve, the Taipei 101 climb will go ahead as scheduled this weekend. Netflix has not indicated any further changes.
For now, the attempt is paused, not cancelled, as everyone is just waiting on clear skies.
