Alex Honnold Free Solo Taipei 101 Netflix 2026: Live Stream, Schedule, and Climb Details

Alex Honnold, the world-famous climber known for his El Capitan free solo, is attempting a historic feat: free soloing Taipei 101 — a 1,667-foot skyscraper in Taiwan — live on Netflix. Scheduled for January 23, 2026, this climb marks the first time Honnold is tackling a major urban structure in his signature rope-free style, broadcast in real time to millions of viewers. Fans and climbing enthusiasts are buzzing about the technical challenges, the risks involved, and the spectacle of seeing Honnold push the limits of human endurance and focus. From preparation and strategy to the cultural impact and live broadcast details, here’s everything you need to know about this monumental event.

Who Is Alex Honnold?

Alex Honnold is a legend in the climbing world, renowned for free soloing — scaling sheer rock walls without ropes, harnesses, or protective gear. He became a household name in 2017 after his historic climb of Yosemite’s El Capitan, a 3,000-foot granite wall, which was captured in the Oscar-winning documentary Free Solo.

Honnold’s success comes from a combination of meticulous planning, physical skill, and unmatched mental control over fear. Psychologists study him for his ability to manage risk and remain calm under extreme pressure. Over the past decade, Honnold has completed some of the most daring climbs in the world, balancing risk and precision at heights that most people cannot even imagine.

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What Is “Skyscraper Live” on Netflix?

“Skyscraper Live” is a live global event streaming on Netflix, featuring Honnold’s free solo climb of Taipei 101. Unlike previous documentary-style ascents, this event is broadcast in real time, giving viewers an unedited look at each move, each handhold, and every moment of suspense as Honnold ascends the world-famous skyscraper.

The climb is scheduled to air at 8 p.m. ET / 5 p.m. PT on January 23, 2026 in the U.S., with a brief broadcast delay for safety and technical monitoring. Fans worldwide can tune in to experience a new level of thrill, watching one of the greatest climbers in history navigate an urban environment without safety gear.

Why Taipei 101 Is a Unique Challenge

Taipei 101 stands at 1,667 feet (508 meters) and has 101 stories, making it an iconic symbol of Taiwan. Unlike natural rock formations, Taipei 101 is constructed of steel, glass, and concrete, presenting an entirely different type of climb.

The building includes vertical segments, overhangs, and narrow ledges, requiring Honnold to adapt his climbing techniques. While balconies offer occasional rest points, the urban terrain introduces challenges such as wind gusts, smooth surfaces, and limited handholds — all factors that increase the risk of a fall.

This will be Honnold’s first urban skyscraper free solo, meaning the stakes and technical demands are unprecedented in his career.

Preparation and Training

Honnold’s preparation for the climb has been extensive and meticulous:

• Test climbs: Using safety equipment, Honnold rehearsed sections of Taipei 101 to map out holds and ledges.
• Physical conditioning: His training combines strength, flexibility, and endurance, essential for a climb that could last several hours.
• Mental conditioning: Honnold employs visualization techniques and psychological strategies to manage fear, maintain focus, and execute precise movements under stress.

He has described the urban climb as “different but manageable,” noting that the structure allows some handholds that natural cliffs do not, yet the exposure and public scrutiny add a unique psychological component.

How to Watch the Live Event

Event Name: Skyscraper Live
Platform: Netflix
U.S. Broadcast Time: 8 p.m. ET / 5 p.m. PT, January 23, 2026
Taiwan Time: Early morning January 24, 2026

Viewers will need a Netflix subscription (either ad-supported or ad-free) to access the live stream. The platform allows streaming on multiple devices including smart TVs, tablets, and smartphones.

Netflix has implemented camera angles, commentary, and a small broadcast delay to ensure both safety and a high-quality viewing experience. This is a first-of-its-kind live free solo broadcast on a major streaming platform.

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How This Differs From Previous Free Solos

Unlike Honnold’s climbs of El Capitan or other natural cliffs, which were carefully filmed and edited, this climb is live, meaning there is no room for post-production safety edits or narrative framing. Viewers will see Honnold’s real-time movements, making it a more immersive and tense experience.

Additionally, Taipei 101’s urban design — smooth walls, balconies, and man-made holds — contrasts sharply with natural rock, requiring adaptation in technique and mental focus. Fans can expect to see Honnold rely heavily on finger strength, balance, and precision rather than the traditional friction-based techniques used on rock faces.

The Risks and Controversy

Free soloing is inherently extremely dangerous, and a fall from Taipei 101 would likely be fatal. Experts and critics have debated the ethics of broadcasting such a high-risk climb live:

• Safety concerns: Live exposure of extreme risk may normalize dangerous behavior for viewers or influence amateur climbers.
• Climbing ethics: Traditional climbing culture values personal challenge and respect for natural environments; some argue that urban spectacles shift the focus toward entertainment rather than skill.
• Public scrutiny: Millions of viewers will witness every error, increasing pressure and psychological stress.

Despite the debate, supporters praise Honnold’s skill, preparation, and judgment, highlighting that he has decades of experience and a thorough understanding of risk.

Taipei’s Role in the Event

Taipei city officials coordinated logistics to support the climb, including:

• Weather monitoring and contingency planning
• Rooftop access and public area management
• Safety oversight and emergency preparedness

The climb also serves as a cultural showcase, highlighting Taipei 101 as an iconic structure and promoting Taiwan as a hub for innovation and tourism.

Expert Opinions

Climbing and risk management experts weigh in:

• Some caution against the glamorization of extreme risk, emphasizing responsible messaging.
• Others commend Honnold’s combination of technical skill and psychological mastery, noting that very few climbers in history could safely attempt such a climb.

Psychologists and sports scientists often study Honnold’s focus and fear management, seeing him as an example of extreme human performance under high-risk conditions.

What Makes This Event Historic

“Skyscraper Live” is historic for several reasons:

1. First live urban skyscraper free solo: Honnold has never attempted a building of this height in a live broadcast.
2. Global audience: Millions of viewers worldwide will watch in real-time, making it a cultural phenomenon as well as an athletic achievement.
3. Blending sport and media: The event pushes the boundaries of extreme sports broadcasting, combining live performance, suspense, and documentary storytelling.

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FAQs

When can I watch Alex Honnold’s Taipei 101 free solo?

• January 23, 2026, at 8 p.m. ET / 5 p.m. PT on Netflix.

What is free solo climbing?

• Climbing without ropes, harnesses, or safety gear, relying entirely on skill and precision.

Why is Taipei 101 significant?

• At 1,667 feet and 101 stories, it is an iconic skyscraper in Taiwan and a challenging urban climb.

Is this climb dangerous?

• Yes. Free soloing carries a high risk of fatal falls.

Can I watch it without a Netflix subscription?

• No. A Netflix account is required to stream the event.

How is this different from Honnold’s past climbs?

• This climb is live, urban, and televised globally in real time, unlike pre-recorded rock climbs.

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