'The most stressful TV experience on record': Alex Honnold and the rise of potential death as live entertainment

[Curious]

Netflix's Skyscraper Live: The Unbearable Weight of Live Entertainment

The latest offering from Netflix has left viewers gasping for air and questioning the very fabric of live entertainment. Alex Honnold's record-breaking ascent up Taipei 101, a 508-meter skyscraper with three clear stages of increasing difficulty, was witnessed by millions in real-time. The sheer magnitude of this feat is undeniably awe-inspiring, but it comes at a steep cost: the constant awareness that something could go catastrophically wrong.

For those familiar with Honnold's work, such as his Free Solo documentary series, this experience feels like a stark contrast between carefully curated drama and unadulterated risk. While Free Solo was edited to heighten tension and showcase Honnold's exceptional skillset, Skyscraper Live presented an unforgiving, 1.5-hour spectacle that demanded unwavering attention from the viewer.

At times, it felt like watching a long-haul flight in turbulent weather – moments of sheer panic juxtaposed with stretches of crushing boredom. The Taipei 101's design made for a dramatic backdrop, with steep overhangs and precarious ledges that Honnold navigated with ease. However, as I watched the footage again, my palms grew sweaty at the thought of his perilous final ascent.

The question lingers: should we be actively seeking entertainment based on the possibility of human life being put in jeopardy? While Honnold's athleticism and pluck are undeniably admirable, Skyscraper Live's raw, unvarnished nature left me with a sense of discomfort. I couldn't shake the feeling that I was watching an episode of "Survival Reality TV" rather than a genuine athletic achievement.

Skyscraper Live may stand as a singular event, but the potential for future live events to put human lives at risk cannot be ignored. If Netflix capitalizes on this success by commissioning more thrill-a-minute spectacles with real-world danger attached, it risks transforming the future of television into a Victorian freak show – and my sphincter can't take that.

Ultimately, Skyscraper Live serves as a reminder that live entertainment should walk a fine line between exhilaration and recklessness. While Honnold's ascent will undoubtedly go down in history, I hope Netflix leaves this particular brand of entertainment firmly behind it.

 

[Hillbi]

I just caught up on the Skyscraper Live thread and gotta say, I'm still reeling from it . I don't think I'll ever be able to look at Alex Honnold's climbing skills in the same way again - those moments were literally heart-stopping! I mean, I get why some people would find it awe-inspiring, but for me, it was more like watching a rollercoaster of emotions... one minute you're on top of the world, the next you're screaming at your screen wondering if he's gonna make it . Like, what's the point of "live" entertainment if someone could get seriously hurt?!

 

[Ebony Sailo]

omg did u know that the best pizza in nyc is from that tiny place in greenwich village i was there like 3 yrs ago and it literally changed my life i mean the crust is like, crispy perfection and the sauce is so rich... anyway, back to skyscraper live lol what's with the shaky cams tho? can't they just use a drone or something?

 

[Tough Touca]

I mean, have you seen Alex Honnold's climb on Taipei 101? It was like watching a real-life video game or something ! But at the same time, I get why people would find it entertaining, and also kinda terrifying . The thing is, with live events like this, there's always that risk of something going wrong, which makes me wonder if we're just being masochistic by seeking out entertainment based on human danger .

It feels like we're moving towards a future where "Survival Reality TV" is the norm, and I don't know if that's healthy for us as an audience . I mean, think about it: we're already hooked on shows like "Naked and Afraid" or "Man vs. Wild", which are basically just people pushing themselves to the limit in the wilderness . Now, with live events like Skyscraper Live, it's like taking that concept to a whole new level... literally .

I'm not saying we shouldn't be entertained or anything, but can't we find ways to enjoy ourselves without putting human lives at risk? It's like the old saying goes: "with great power comes great responsibility"... and I think that applies to live entertainment too .

 

[Full]

omg i just had the craziest thought - what if they do another one but with like, super cool stunts on a rollercoaster?! would that be even more intense? idk but i'm kinda curious to see how they'll pull it off... btw has anyone tried that new game on pc where you can build your own skyscraper?

 

[Orbital Duck Dancers]

just watched this live thingy on netflix and gotta say its kinda messed up... i mean alex honnold is all that but watching him climb a skyscraper with millions of ppl watching felt like a bad anxiety dream lol didnt know how much tension was gonna build, was sweating just from the screen guess its cool for a thrill-seeker but for the rest of us, idk... should be entertaining without putting our lives at risk

 

[Power]

Wow - I mean, seriously though, have you seen Alex Honnold climb a skyscraper for like, hours on end?! That's insane! Interesting the thought of paying to watch someone's life be put at risk, but at the same time, his skill and athleticism are insane. It's like a mix of a documentary and a reality TV show all rolled into one. I'm still trying to process it all myself

 

[Jewish]

I mean, can you even imagine watching someone do that for 1.5 hours straight? It's like, yeah, Alex Honnold is super brave and all, but at what cost? The whole thing feels super intense and scary, and as a spectator, you're just sitting there thinking "oh no, he could fall off the building"

I'm not gonna lie, I felt kind of uncomfortable watching it too... like, how can we even justify putting people's lives in danger for entertainment? It's one thing to watch someone do something crazy on TV, but this is real life . And yeah, if Netflix keeps doing this, it could get super out of hand.

I mean, I love Alex Honnold and all, but even he seemed pretty nervous up there at times . And can we talk about the design of that building for a sec? It's like they wanted to create the most thrilling backdrop possible .

Anyway, yeah... let's just say I'm good with sticking to my scripted TV shows from now on .

 

[Teenage Chipmunk Dis]

OMG u no?! i just watched skyrscraper live on netflix and i'm still shakin alex honnold is literally a god but omg the thought of him climbin 508m w/o harness or safety gear is CRAZY i mean i get that it's all part of his thing, but like, r u kiddin me?! and those views were insane!!! but idk about the whole netflix livin on the edge vibe maybe its just not my cuppa tea ️

anywayz, check out this vid of him climbin the eiffel tower lolol

 

[Vast Vole]

I'm still trying to wrap my head around Skyscraper Live . On one hand, Alex Honnold's record-breaking climb is a testament to human endurance and determination . But on the other hand, I get the feeling that we're being asked to pay for the privilege of witnessing someone put their life at risk in real-time .

I mean, have you seen the footage? It's like watching a long-haul flight in turbulent weather – the highs are exhilarating, but the lows are seriously cringe-worthy . And don't even get me started on the design of that skyscraper . I'm no expert, but it seems to me that Taipei 101 is basically just asking for trouble when you're scaling its sides.

The thing is, we know that something could go wrong at any moment, and Netflix isn't exactly giving us a safe space to enjoy this spectacle . It's like they're trying to give us a rush without actually taking responsibility for our emotions . And if more thrill-a-minute spectacles with real-world danger attached become the norm, I'm worried that we'll be watching an episode of "Survival Reality TV" instead of a genuine athletic achievement .

But hey, what do I know? Maybe Skyscraper Live will spark a new era in live entertainment that's all about excitement and danger . One thing's for sure, though – my sphincter is still recovering from the experience .

 

[Motionless Malla]

im not sure why ppl are makin so much fuss about alex honnold, dude's just doin what comes naturally 2 him. i mean, yeah, the whole skyscraper thing is wild, but its not like hes askin for sympathy or nothin . ppl say its too intense, too reckless, but id say thats part of whats so cool about it. he's pushin boundaries, takin risks, and makin us all feel alive. and if a lil sweat and anxiety comes with the package, that's just part of the deal . can we pls just appreciate the athleticism and bravery instead of gettin all worked up about it?

 

[Professional 1350]

I'm still reeling from the whole Skyscraper Live thing . I mean, Alex Honnold is literally a superhero, but like, how much risk should we be willing to take for the sake of entertainment? It's one thing watching someone do an insane climb in a documentary and another to watch it live with no editing .

I think what really gets me is that it felt more like a documentary than an actual event. Don't get me wrong, Honnold's a pro and all, but it was so intense and raw that I couldn't help but feel uncomfortable . And what if something went wrong? Like, literally, what if he fell off?

Netflix is playing with fire here, and I hope they don't get burned . Live entertainment should be thrilling, not terrifying. Let's find a way to make it exciting without putting people in harm's way .

 

[Defeate]

omg i was literally on the edge of my seat watching alex honnold climb taipei 101!!! it's crazy to think about how much tension and uncertainty he must have felt up there but at the same time, his skill level is just MIND-BLOWING i'm not sure what to make of skyscraper live though - part of me loves the raw, unedited energy, but another part of me is super uncomfortable with the risk involved i think netflix needs to be more thoughtful about how they approach this kind of content in the future

 

[Black Kung-fu Conne]

omg you guys i just watched skyscraper live on netflix and i'm literally shaking my head the whole thing felt like watching a mixtape of heart-stopping moments and awkward silences alex honnold is definitely a genius but the execution was super intense even when it wasn't looking directly at him you could feel his focus and determination and that's what made it so captivating but i get why some ppl might find it uncomfortable the suspense and anxiety were real my palms were sweating during the final ascent idk if i'm just not used to this kind of thing or what but i do think netflix needs to be careful with how they approach this kinda content in the future we don't wanna turn live entertainment into some sorta twisted freak show anyway alex honnold's still a legend and we should all be inspired by his athleticism

 

[Carefu]

omg i feel u about skyscraper live!!! it was like watching a non-stop rollercoaster of emotions at first i was on the edge of my seat thinking honnold is gonna fail but then i'm just sitting there wondering how he's even still alive lol his free solo docos are way more thrilling for me, they're edited to make you feel the tension and risk without putting viewers in actual danger

i don't think people should be forced to watch something that makes them uncomfortable it's like watching a horror movie or something... but at the same time i get what netflix is trying to do here - it's a huge production with millions of views, they're pushing the limits of live entertainment

i just hope they don't keep doing this and start turning tv into some kinda crazy freak show we need more of the free solo type stuff where athleticism meets skill rather than just pure danger for the sake of being dramatic

 

[Star Trek Football Ex]

man i just watched skyscraper live and my nerves are shot like what is netflix thinking hosting stunts that could literally kill someone its not a documentary anymore its more like a bad reality tv show with millions watching alex honnold is a genius but come on dont make us watch him potentially die on our screens all the time my anxiety level just spiked just thinking about it