The Climb

As Episode 1 of "The Climb" (2023 release; 8 episodes ranging from 36 to 51 min) opens, we are in Mallorca, where legendary climber Chris Sharma and actor Jason "Aquaman" Momoa are scouting for a good location to start a climbing competition "to inspire the next generation of climber". We are introduced to10 amateur climbers from various countries (primarily the US, the UK and Brazil), who are competing for $100,000 in cash plus $100,000 in sponsorships. At this point we are less than 10 minutes into Episode 1.

Couple of comments: while nominally this competition is the brainchild of Momoa and Sharma, in reality Momoa only appears for a minute or two in the episodes I've seen so far. It's really Sharma in the role of Phil Keoghan on the Amazing Race and Tough As Nails. In fact, this feels like the cousin of Tough as Nails, but set in the climbing world. To be clear: rather than focusing on endurance (as is the case for Himalaya climbers), this style of climbing is much more focused on technique. The climbs are not long, but quite difficult. I quite enjoyed it for what it was. The photography is eye candy from start to finish, and makes up for the lack of edge-of-your-seat tension.

I had seen a trailer for this not long ago and decided to give it a try. The initial 3 episodes started streaming on HBO Max earlier this week, and I assume the remainder 5 episodes will follow in the next 5 weeks. If you are in the mood for yet another reality TV show a la Survivor, Tough As Nails or The Amazing Race, I'd readily suggest you check this out and draw your own conclusion.

Sharma is fantastic, his potential and appeal are endless. Jason is a magnet and Meagan is great. But climbing is not pottery or baking. Maybe it's a bit like blacksmithing, where the process creates enough drama by itself.

The last episode could be the model how the Season 2+ should look like - less fake drama, moaning and highlighted emotions. Just beautiful rock, breathtaking scenery, climbing, more climbing and a little bit of climbing on top of the earlier climbing.

As the rock (and ice!) climbing stands out from other "olympic" sports because of its old principle - competition is against the rock and not with each other, the show could go all-in on camaraderie and joy of climbing, avoiding the usual cliches. But it was mentioned only once in the beginning of the show and then quietly demonstrated by the contestants, instead of becoming the cornerstone of the plot, making it unique for people outside of the crag.

It was odd to me how boring I found a show about one of my favorite topics. It was kind of cool that the skill level was super relatable, like oh wow, me and all my friends could be on this show. But the production just left everyone looking like they had zero charisma and only the most banal insights. They'll interview like 3 climbers in a row saying things like "I could tell she was getting tired, then she fell."

This show totally lost me after Sharma so clearly judged a contestant for jumping off a wall because he knew he was safe from elimination. Like brah, if you want to do dangerous stuff, cool, that makes great TV. But don't hate on someone else for playing it safe.

Also, what is their goal? You really think someone can START being a pro climber at 53? Is this a fun way to encourage people to get into climbing, or is it a comp? Stay in your lane.

I found it refreshing to watch a reality show with no gimmicks.

I am NOT a climber, and know little to nothing about "techniques" It's only been in the last few years, watching documentaries and movies about this sport, that I found that I was so enthralled with it. And it was the PEOPLE who do this sport, that pushes my intrigue buttons, more than anything.

I've seen the first episode and the end of the show is such a wonderful "cliff hanger" (pardon the sappy pun, but I couldn't resist) I'm definitely feeling invested, and plan on watching the next episode for sure.

I loved the diversity of the climbers (physical,age,sex,geographic) Although it was cool to see them climb, for me personally, I would like to see more time invested in really getting to know the contestants ( their histories,experiences,fears,thought processes, etc) and if this show starts giving me more of that, I can't imagine why I won't LOVE the whole season. Also, little blurbs, at the bottom of the screen to read, while watching,for those who WANT to know more technical stuff would be interesting for me.

I'm not sure what demographic this series is shooting for. It feels like it's for a pretty small group. I hope it's not, because it has a lot of promise if it can capture a wider audience.

Either, you'll enjoy it, or not...but If your on the fence about it, I'd highly suggest giving it a chance I'm really glad I did.

Really enjoyed watching this series - great cinematography and authentic down to earth contestants. They did a decent job toeing the line between making the snow accessible for non climbers and still interesting for climbers like myself. It's not Reel Rock, but for a game show competition about rock climbing, it's pretty good. I really liked the contestants, they were a great representation about what I love about the climbing community. Down to earth, no ego, just out there supporting each other and having a good time. I felt that any of them could be someone I'd bump into at the gym or local crag.