Alex Honnold free solos Taipei 101 but Netflix commentary draws backlash

Netflix Skyscraper Live Viewers Criticize Commentary During Honnold Climb

While Alex Honnold’s historic free solo climb of Taipei 101 captivated millions on Saturday night, many viewers of Netflix’s “Skyscraper Live” found themselves frustrated not with the climb itself, but with the broadcast’s commentary team.

Viewers flooded Netflix’s Instagram comments during the live event, asking announcers to “be quiet” and “stop talking” as they struggled to hear Honnold when he spoke through his in-ear headset during the ascent. The commentary panel consisted of veteran sports anchor Elle Duncan as host, WWE superstar Seth Rollins, professional climber Emily Harrington, engineer Mark Rober, and climbing commentator Pete Woods.independent

“The Commentary Is A Disaster”

Much of the criticism centered on the panel members who lacked climbing expertise, particularly Rollins, whose commentary largely consisted of expressions of disbelief and shock rather than technical insight.yahoo

“The commentators absolutely RUINED the experience of watching this live,” one viewer wrote. “Their ‘insights’ were pointless and beyond annoying”. Another complained that the “incessant and often completely meaningless chatter” prevented viewers from feeling “the incredible tension of free solo climbing at all”.independent

Reddit users echoed the sentiment, with one suggesting the event was “best if watched on mute”. Multiple viewers argued that Emily Harrington, the sole professional climber on the main panel, should have been the only commentator. “I think just having the one commentator, Emily, who is knowledgeable about climbing, would have been perfect,” one viewer reasoned. “The other two are unfortunately grossly taking away from the viewing experience”.reddit

The Climb Itself

Despite the commentary controversy, Honnold, 40, successfully completed the climb in 1 hour and 31 minutes, becoming the first person to free solo the 1,667-foot, 101-story Taiwan skyscraper. “Sick,” he said upon reaching the summit.straitstimes

The event, originally scheduled for Friday, January 23, was postponed by 24 hours due to rain that would have made conditions too dangerous. Hundreds of spectators gathered at the tower’s base in Taipei, while thousands more watched the live stream.yahoo

Netflix’s Live Event Strategy

The broadcast was part of Netflix’s expansion into live events. The streaming service had prepared for worst-case scenarios with a 10-second delay, with Netflix’s vice president of unscripted series stating the company would “cut away” if anything went wrong.variety

Taiwan’s President Lai Ching-te congratulated Honnold on social media, calling the climb “truly moving”. At a press briefing afterward, Honnold offered viewers his own perspective: “Time is finite,” he said. “Use it in the best way”.straitstimes

Netflix has not responded to requests for comment about the commentary criticism.independent