Netflix's live broadcast of Alex Honnold's ropeless climb up Taipei 101 has been described as 'the most stressful TV experience on record', but viewers have been less than impressed with the commentary. The free climber's ascent of the 508-metre skyscraper on Skyscraper Live was an extraordinary athletic feat, but many took to social media to criticise the commentary as 'awful' and 'distracting'.
The event, which aired live on Netflix, featured Honnold scaling the building without ropes or safety equipment, a feat that had viewers on the edge of their seats. However, the commentary, provided by a team of experts and presenters, was widely panned for being repetitive and lacking in depth. One viewer tweeted: 'The commentary was so bad, I had to mute it and just watch in silence.'
Despite the criticism, the broadcast was a ratings success, drawing millions of viewers worldwide. The climb itself was a masterclass in precision and control, with Honnold completing the ascent in just over an hour. However, the commentary failed to capture the drama and tension of the moment, with many feeling it detracted from the experience.
Netflix has yet to respond to the backlash, but the event has sparked a wider debate about the ethics of live entertainment that hinges on the possibility of death. While some praised the broadcast for its raw and unfiltered nature, others questioned whether it was appropriate to turn such a dangerous activity into a spectacle.
