Skyscraper Live proves that Netflix is still figuring out its live events heres why viewers couldnt get past its 'insufferable' commentary

Date:
Mon, 26 Jan 2026 23:00:00 +0000

Description:
Viewers who tuned into Netflix's Skyscraper Live were baffled by the show's unnecessary commentary and over-produced faade.

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Netflix has really upped the ante on its live events in recent years, and while its latest nail-biting Skyscraper Live show has taken the streaming platform by storm, its been met with a lot of criticism concerning how
Netflix decides to handle its live events.

If youre completely out of the loop, Skyscraper Live was broadcast on
Saturday following free solo climber and certified daredevil Alex Honnold on his attempt to climb the Taipei 101 skyscraper in Taiwan without the use of ropes in which he triumphantly succeeded.

However, what was a monumental achievement for Honnold turned out to not be the most thrilling viewing experience for those who were initially excited to tune into the Netflix live event. There were many gaffes that viewers picked up on while watching Skyscraper Live showing that, despite its near
three-year run, Netflix still has a lot to learn when it comes to live
events. 'This is the worst live sports production Ive ever seen in my life' (Image credit: Netflix)

Though Netflix has seen success with past live events mainly its boxing specials such as the recent Jake Paul and Anthony Joshua match Skyscraper Live wasnt quite the smash hit Netflix hoped it would be with viewers. It has its production and commentary to blame, which users have described as insufferable.

The commentary is mainly attributed to the events panel of hosts, which included new anchor Elle Duncan, WWE star Seth Rollins, and climber and
friend of Honnold Emily Harrington, who couldnt help themselves but interject with unwanted commentary at times where Honnold was speaking mid-ascend. Comment from r/netflix

Following the event, viewers swarmed Netflixs Instagram posts as well as rushing to Reddit, where one user even described it as the worst live sports production theyd ever seen (see below). But what really got under peoples
skin were the filler comments made by Duncan who moderated the panel; Hey Alex, what ya doing?, one viewer flagged, who was left in complete disbelief. Comment from r/netflix A big learning curve for Netflix

The underwhelming spectacle of Skyscraper Live shows that theres a lot of
room for growth for Netflix who, if it were to start someone, should start with toning down the over-produced nature of its live events and keep in mind what types of audiences will be tuning in.

As well as the events jarring commentary, Netflix fell under criticism for
its lack of consideration for climbing enthusiasts who were excited to watch and listen to Honnolds own commentary as he made his ascent: This was done
for the masses, not climbers, someone commented. Comment from r/netflix

Will Netflix learn from Skyscraper Live? One can hope, but the chances are slim especially now that the platform is front-loading its dedication to vertical video feeds for its mobile experience which viewers never asked for just like Duncans unlistenable commentary.

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Link to news story: https://www.techradar.com/streaming/netflix/skyscraper-live-proves-that-netfli x-is-still-figuring-out-its-live-events-heres-why-viewers-couldnt-get-past-its -insufferable-commentary


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