Netflix Confirms New Date for Alex Honnold's High-Stakes Skyscraper Ascent
Streaming service Netflix has officially announced a rescheduled time for one of its most anticipated and perilous live broadcasts. The event featuring free solo climbing legend Alex Honnold attempting to scale Taipei 101 without ropes or safety equipment was postponed at the last minute due to unsafe weather conditions in Taiwan.
Original Broadcast Halted Minutes After Starting
The live special was originally scheduled to air on Netflix at 1am UK time on Friday, January 24, 2026. However, just minutes into the broadcast, viewers were informed that the event would not proceed as planned. A Netflix spokesperson issued a statement explaining the decision, citing weather concerns as the primary reason for the delay.
"Due to weather, we are unable to proceed with today's #SkyscraperLIVE event," the spokesperson confirmed before the show was due to begin. "Safety remains our top priority, and we appreciate your understanding."
New Broadcast Details Announced
Netflix has now confirmed that the rescheduled live event will take place on Saturday, January 24 at 8 PM Eastern Time, which translates to 5 PM Pacific Time. For viewers in the United Kingdom, this means tuning in at 1am on Sunday, January 25 to watch the daring ascent.
The event promises to be one of Honnold's most dangerous challenges to date, with Netflix promoting it with the tagline: "No ropes. No fear. Free solo legend Alex Honnold risks it all in a high-stakes, live ascent of one of the world's tallest skyscrapers in Taipei, Taiwan."
Weather Concerns and Fan Reactions
The postponement was necessitated by wet weather conditions in Taipei that made the skyscraper's surface too dangerous for a free solo attempt. The 40-year-old climber took to social media to address the delay, expressing disappointment while acknowledging the safety considerations.
"Sadly, it's raining in Taipei right now, so I don't get to go climbing today," Honnold wrote. "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 on @netflix @netflixsports."
Fans have expressed mixed reactions to the rescheduling, with many praising the safety-first approach while others remain concerned about whether conditions will improve sufficiently by the new broadcast time.
- One social media user questioned: "So what happens when he climbs tomorrow and grabs a piece of something wet?"
- Another commented: "I'd hold off til it fully dries. That surface could still have a lot of wet spots."
- Many supporters echoed the sentiment: "Safety first! Good luck tomorrow!"
The Formidable Taipei 101
The building Honnold plans to climb presents a formidable challenge even under ideal conditions. Taipei 101 held the title of world's tallest building when it opened in 2004 and remains Taiwan's tallest structure. Currently ranked as the 11th-tallest building globally, it stands at a dizzying height of 508 metres, equivalent to approximately 1,667 feet.
The sheer scale of the building adds to the danger of Honnold's free solo attempt, where any mistake could prove fatal without the safety net of ropes or harnesses. The rescheduled broadcast promises to deliver edge-of-your-seat viewing as the climbing legend attempts one of his most audacious challenges yet.
