Netflix has postponed “Skyscraper Live,” a high-risk live special tracking free solo climber Alex Honnold as he scales Taipei 101 in Taiwan. The decision came after rain threatened safety conditions. The broadcast is now set for Saturday night in the U.S. (early Sunday morning in Taiwan).
New Broadcast Schedule Announced
In a statement, Netflix confirmed the reschedule:
“Due to weather, we are unable to proceed with today’s SkyscraperLIVE event. It has been rescheduled for Saturday, January 24 at 8 p.m. ET / 5 p.m. PT. Safety remains our top priority, and we appreciate your understanding.”
Producers Address Weather Risks
Earlier reporting by Variety included comments from Plimsoll Prods. Ltd. CEO Grant Mansfield, Plimsoll’s head of adventure James Smith, and Netflix’s VP of unscripted Jeff Gaspin about the possibility of delays caused by weather.
Although January typically falls within Taiwan’s dry season, rain was still in the forecast on the morning of the climb. Moisture was expected around 9 a.m. local time, when the live event was scheduled to begin. By contrast, forecasts for the following day indicated “sunny and pleasant” conditions in Taipei, according to AccuWeather.
Safety Comes First
Smith emphasized that postponement was always an option if conditions were unsafe. If the building surface proved too wet, the team planned to delay to the next day—aligning with a Saturday night U.S. broadcast—and even extend the delay further if necessary. He stressed that Honnold must feel completely confident, and the safety team must agree conditions are acceptable.
Gaspin likened the live window to “launching a space shuttle,” noting the crew would remain on site for several days in case weather forced a short delay. However, he added that climbing windows are limited because Taiwan’s rainy season typically runs from April through September.
Extensive Preparation Behind the Scenes
Mansfield highlighted the scale of planning behind the event. He noted that Honnold is in peak condition and has trained extensively for the challenge. While the production was scheduled during the dry season to minimize risk, weather remains unpredictable—especially for a live broadcast where conditions can change rapidly.
Who Is Alex Honnold?
Honnold is internationally recognized for free solo climbing, ascending massive rock faces without ropes or safety gear. He gained global fame through the Oscar-winning documentary Free Solo, which followed his ascent of El Capitan’s 3,000-foot Freerider route in Yosemite National Park.
About “Skyscraper Live”
The two-hour special follows Honnold as he attempts to free solo Taipei 101, a 101-story tower standing 1,667 feet tall. It is the tallest building in Taiwan and the 11th tallest in the world.
Production is handled by Plimsoll Prods. Limited, part of ITV Studios. Al Berman serves as showrunner and executive producer, alongside Honnold, Grant Mansfield, James Smith, Alan Eyres, and Jonathan Retseck. Joe DeMaio directs the event.
The postponement of “Skyscraper Live” underscores the realities of staging a live, high-risk event at extreme heights. Despite months of preparation and careful scheduling during Taiwan’s dry season, weather conditions ultimately dictate what is safe.
Netflix and the production team have made clear that safety outweighs scheduling, ensuring Alex Honnold only climbs when conditions are right. With improved forecasts ahead, viewers can expect the rescheduled broadcast to deliver the same level of precision, preparation, and edge-of-your-seat drama—just one day later than planned.