Netflix Viewers Condemn 'Distracting' Commentary During Historic Skyscraper Ascent
Netflix subscribers have delivered a scathing verdict on the commentary provided during the live broadcast of Alex Honnold's unprecedented rope-free climb of Taipei 101, one of the world's tallest skyscrapers. The streaming giant's Skyscraper Live special, which aired on Saturday night (January 24), featured the American rock climber's breathtaking ascent of the 1,667-foot tower, but viewers say the accompanying punditry significantly undermined the experience.
Commentary Panel Faces Widespread Criticism
The broadcast featured a commentary panel comprising WWE star Seth Rollins, veteran sports anchor Elle Duncan, and professional climber Emily Harrington. While viewers acknowledged the nail-biting nature of Honnold's daring stunt, many expressed frustration that the commentators continuously spoke over the climber when he was communicating via his in-ear headset, offering what they described as minimal professional insight.
Social media platforms and Netflix's own Instagram posts during the event were inundated with complaints. One viewer pleaded: "Respectfully, can the commentators take a break and not talk as much? They're talking over Alex and I want to hear. Thanks!" Another branded the coverage "dreadful", adding: "The commentators absolutely RUINED the experience of watching this live. Their 'insights' were pointless and beyond annoying."
Viewers Call for More Climber-Focused Coverage
Several audience members suggested that the panel composition was fundamentally flawed. One noted that while the programme was a "great show", they couldn't understand why more professional climbers weren't involved. Another reasoned: "I think just having the one commentator, Emily, who is knowledgeable about climbing, would have been perfect. The other two are unfortunately grossly taking away from the viewing experience. Can't get a moment of silence to experience his climb."
A particularly frustrated viewer wrote: "The announcers are talking way too much, it's really impacting the experience for people watching live & they're talking over any time Alex speaks through his microphone. This seems like an obvious miss. The climb is awesome... the commentary is what is making me suffer."
Historic Achievement Overshadowed by Broadcast Issues
Honnold, the 40-year-old climber renowned for his Oscar-winning documentary Free Solo, completed the hair-raising ascent in 1 hour and 31 minutes as his wife and thousands of fans watched from Taiwan's capital. The achievement marks the first time anyone has climbed Taipei 101 without ropes or safety gear, surpassing French urban climber Alain Robert's 2004 roped ascent.
The Skyscraper Live special was originally scheduled for Friday (January 23) but was postponed by 24 hours due to wet weather conditions in Taipei that would have made the climb even more perilous. Built in 2004 with a design inspired by bamboo ridges, Taipei 101 was once the world's tallest building before being surpassed by Dubai's Burj Khalifa in 2010.
Despite the commentary controversy, Honnold expressed hope that his achievement would inspire others. "I think that people often find the inspiration that they need to pursue their own challenges or their own goals," he said. "It's often the kick they need to do whatever it is that they want to do in their life." Netflix has been approached for comment regarding the viewer complaints.
