Netflix's latest foray into live entertainment has left viewers reeling and questioning the ethics of broadcasting human risk-taking as a spectator sport. The platform's attempt to bring Alex Honnold's record-breaking climb of Taipei 101 to life in real-time, known as Skyscraper Live, was an hour-long exercise in tension that tested even the most ardent thrill-seekers' nerves.
Honnold, the star of Free Solo, has long been synonymous with high-stakes adventure and daredevil stunts. However, the difference between this event and his earlier documentary lies not only in its format but also in its level of exposure. While Free Solo was meticulously edited to amplify drama, Skyscraper Live presented an unvarnished, real-time account that stripped away any semblance of safety net.
The Taipei 101 skyscraper proved an ideal – and perhaps contrived – backdrop for this spectacle, with its distinct stages and precarious overhangs designed to amplify Honnold's physical challenge. Even watching a replay left the author feeling queasy at times, evoking visceral responses reminiscent of witnessing a toddler's mischief gone wrong.
This brings us to the crux of the matter: should entertainment predicated on the risk of human death be condoned? The answer seems straightforward yet troubling. While Honnold's athleticism and determination are undeniably admirable, broadcasting his ascent for an extended period – 1.5 hours, no less – created a uniquely unsettling viewing experience.
Viewers found themselves caught in a delicate balance between fascination and anxiety, their emotions oscillating wildly as they watched Honnold scale the towering structure. Even those who were willing to indulge in this unorthodox form of entertainment couldn't shake off the nagging sense that they were witnessing something potentially life-altering – or even fatal.
Ultimately, it is uncertain whether Netflix intends for Skyscraper Live to become a recurring format. If so, the platform may risk rebranding itself as the purveyor of death-defying stunts, courting controversy and compromising its values in the process. As one astute observer noted, the thought of more live events featuring reckless human endeavors – such as high-diving feats or high-speed pursuits – raises uncomfortable questions about the very notion of "live" entertainment.
For now, Skyscraper Live stands as an outlier, a unique experiment that left its viewers both awestruck and shaken. While it may have pushed the boundaries of what we consider acceptable in terms of live broadcasting, it also served as a poignant reminder that some risks are better left unexplored – for our own sakes, if not for those involved.
Honnold, the star of Free Solo, has long been synonymous with high-stakes adventure and daredevil stunts. However, the difference between this event and his earlier documentary lies not only in its format but also in its level of exposure. While Free Solo was meticulously edited to amplify drama, Skyscraper Live presented an unvarnished, real-time account that stripped away any semblance of safety net.
The Taipei 101 skyscraper proved an ideal – and perhaps contrived – backdrop for this spectacle, with its distinct stages and precarious overhangs designed to amplify Honnold's physical challenge. Even watching a replay left the author feeling queasy at times, evoking visceral responses reminiscent of witnessing a toddler's mischief gone wrong.
This brings us to the crux of the matter: should entertainment predicated on the risk of human death be condoned? The answer seems straightforward yet troubling. While Honnold's athleticism and determination are undeniably admirable, broadcasting his ascent for an extended period – 1.5 hours, no less – created a uniquely unsettling viewing experience.
Viewers found themselves caught in a delicate balance between fascination and anxiety, their emotions oscillating wildly as they watched Honnold scale the towering structure. Even those who were willing to indulge in this unorthodox form of entertainment couldn't shake off the nagging sense that they were witnessing something potentially life-altering – or even fatal.
Ultimately, it is uncertain whether Netflix intends for Skyscraper Live to become a recurring format. If so, the platform may risk rebranding itself as the purveyor of death-defying stunts, courting controversy and compromising its values in the process. As one astute observer noted, the thought of more live events featuring reckless human endeavors – such as high-diving feats or high-speed pursuits – raises uncomfortable questions about the very notion of "live" entertainment.
For now, Skyscraper Live stands as an outlier, a unique experiment that left its viewers both awestruck and shaken. While it may have pushed the boundaries of what we consider acceptable in terms of live broadcasting, it also served as a poignant reminder that some risks are better left unexplored – for our own sakes, if not for those involved.
my heart is literally racing thinking about alex honnold's climb of taipei 101 it was so intense!! 
i mean, the guy is insane but also super talented. i love how netflix decided to do a real-time broadcast without editing - it added an extra layer of tension that kept me on the edge of my seat 
the taipei 101 skyscraper is literally the perfect setting for this kind of stunt, with all those narrow ledges and overhangs... it's like they designed it specifically for alex to attempt a crazy climb 
. I'm all about living life to the fullest and pushing boundaries, but when it comes to human risk-taking, isn't there a fine line we should be crossing? 
I'm not sure if Netflix was trying to stir up controversy or what, but I do think they might have gone too far this time 
. Can we just stick to the edited versions of these stunts, you know? Less anxiety for everyone 
.
maybe stick to documentaries or scripted shows instead? anyway, next time can we watch alex honnold climb a smaller mountain without the risk of his life being on live stream 
watching someone climb a skyscraper without a safety net is crazy enough but putting it online for 1.5 hours? thats just plain weird 
maybe netflix should stick to their regular shows instead of trying to break the rules of common decency 
like, what if he falls or something? 
shouldn't we be worried about the person instead of just watching them for entertainment? 