Netflix Postpones ‘Skyscraper Live’ After Rain in Taipei

Netflix has postponed its live climbing event “Skyscraper Live” due to rainy weather in Taipei, Taiwan.

The two-hour special follows world-famous free solo climber Alex Honnold as he attempts to climb the exterior of Taipei 101, one of the tallest buildings in the world, without ropes or safety equipment.

In a statement, Netflix said the event has been rescheduled for Saturday, January 24, at 8 p.m. ET / 5 p.m. PT, which will be Sunday morning in Taiwan.

“Due to weather, we are unable to proceed with today’s Skyscraper Live event,” Netflix said. “Safety remains our top priority, and we appreciate your understanding.”

Weather concerns led to the delay

The climb was planned for January because it is typically Taiwan’s dry season. However, rain was forecast to begin just as the live broadcast was scheduled to start at 9 a.m. local time. Wet conditions can make the glass-and-steel skyscraper extremely dangerous to climb.

According to AccuWeather, conditions in Taipei are expected to be sunny and pleasant on the new date.

James Smith, head of adventure at Plimsoll Productions, previously said the team was prepared for delays if conditions were unsafe.

“If it is deemed too wet, we will probably delay to the next day,” Smith told Variety. “Alex has to be 100% comfortable with the conditions, and so does our safety team.”

Netflix’s unscripted VP Jeff Gaspin compared the live broadcast to a rocket launch, noting that weather plays a critical role and that climbing the tower is only possible during certain months of the year.

A major live event for Netflix

“Skyscraper Live” will document Honnold’s attempt to scale the 1,667-foot, 101-story tower, which is the tallest building in Taiwan and the 11th tallest in the world.

Honnold is best known for his rope-free climb of El Capitan in Yosemite National Park, which was documented in the Oscar-winning film Free Solo.

The special is produced by Plimsoll Productions, part of ITV Studios. Al Berman serves as showrunner and executive producer, with Honnold also among the executive producers.

Organizers emphasized that the climb will only happen if everyone involved is fully confident in the safety conditions.

“It’s a live event and anything can happen,” said Plimsoll CEO Grant Mansfield. “We can’t control the weather.”

The rescheduled broadcast will air live globally on Netflix this Saturday night in the U.S.