Daredevil Climber to Scale Taipei 101 Live on Netflix Without Safety Gear

Taipei 101, an iconic skyscraper in Taiwan standing at 1,667 feet (508 meters), will be the site of a daring ascent by renowned rock climber Alex Honnold on January 24, 2026. Honnold plans to climb the 101-storey building live on Netflix, employing his signature free solo technique, which involves climbing without ropes or protective gear. The event, attracting both excitement and concern, raises ethical questions about the risks associated with such a high-profile endeavor.

Honnold, known for his breathtaking ropeless ascent of El Capitan in Yosemite National Park, has captivated the climbing community for years. He expressed enthusiasm about the Taipei 101 climb, stating, “When you look at climbing objectives, you look for things that are singular.” His focus is on pushing boundaries while ensuring that the challenge remains engaging.

While Honnold is not the first to scale Taipei 101—French climber Alain Robert accomplished the feat on Christmas Day in 2004—he will be the first to do so without safety equipment. Robert took nearly four hours to complete his climb, battling adverse weather conditions. In preparation, Honnold practiced the ascent and even consulted with Robert on his climbing podcast. He believes the challenge is manageable, describing it as “the perfect sweet spot” for a climber of his experience.

The live broadcast, entitled “Skyscraper Live,” will be delayed by ten seconds to ensure viewer safety. It is scheduled to start on January 23, 2026, for U.S. audiences and at 01:00 on January 24 for viewers in the UK. James Smith, an executive with event producer Plimsoll Productions, noted that safety measures are a priority. Smith, who collaborates with a risk management group called Secret Compass, has coordinated with safety advisers from the outset of the project.

Throughout the climb, Honnold will be in constant communication with Smith and a team of cameramen positioned strategically within the building. These individuals are not only there to capture stunning footage but also to monitor Honnold’s safety during the ascent. Smith emphasized, “These people all know Alex. They trust Alex. They’re going to be close to him throughout the whole climb.”

As the event approaches, weather conditions are being closely monitored. Although light rain is a possibility, Smith confirmed that Honnold would not climb if conditions are deemed unsafe.

Among local climbers, there is a mix of admiration and concern regarding Honnold’s upcoming challenge. Chin Tzu-hsiang, a Taiwanese rock climber, expressed his lifelong dream of scaling Taipei 101 and noted Honnold’s influence within the climbing community. He said, “For Alex Honnold to finish the climb, it’s like he’s helping us fulfill our dream.”

This climb presents an intriguing blend of novelty and risk that aligns well with television audiences. Smith remarked, “This will be the highest, the biggest urban free solo ever.” However, the ethics of broadcasting such an event have sparked debate. Subbu Vincent, director of media and journalism ethics at Santa Clara University, highlighted the importance of a “back-off clause” and emphasized that production elements should not heighten the inherent risks of the climb.

Concerns also extend to the potential influence Honnold’s actions may have on younger viewers, echoing discussions that have surrounded extreme sports for decades. Jeff Smoot, author of “All and Nothing: Inside Free Soloing,” pointed out that while the public may view Honnold’s climb as mere thrill-seeking, for climbers, it is often a form of artistic expression. He questioned the motivations behind the climb but ultimately acknowledged that the element of danger is what draws viewers in.

As the world awaits this unprecedented live event, the combination of Honnold’s climbing prowess and the iconic backdrop of Taipei 101 promises to deliver a spectacle that tests both physical limits and ethical boundaries in the realm of extreme sports.