The Climb

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.

The Climb not only showcased the art of climbing rock - it's an art - but also the incredible characters and community that surround it. I felt they did a wonderful job in casting ten thoughtful characters from all walks of life, who brought their own perspective, and their own pain to overcome. That, combined with some A+ cinematography, and this show was great to watch.

I think this show could lay the foundation for a new sub-category at the intersections of sport, documentary, competition, and reality TV. Yes we have hard knocks, but I want to see these shows raise the less mainstream sports, particularly those where there isn't a lot of money, and they're a bit more of a vocation. I think it would be a great way to honor and give back to sports, while introducing them to larger audiences. Like I'd love to see one in skateboarding, or diving, stuff like that.

Few quick notes of feedback, in the spirit of making things even better:

• Bring Mamoa completely in, or take him all the way out. I understand the marketing angle, but it felt like a little bit of a tchotchke if I'm being frank.

• Megan's personality helps to make this show, and she should be on the cover with Chris, and the episode introductions, hands-down
• Their "sneak peaks" at the end of episodes gave way too much away, and allowed me to guess the end of the final episodes. Need to be a little more deliberate with those decisions in post for next season
• Let's stick to one country at a time for climbing. I think this could add an additional element to the show (ex. The Climb Japan, the Climb Canada, etc); while also limiting the cost they incur, and the potential exposure to COVID which could flip the show on it's head
• For elimination climbs, the one not climbing should be blindfolded while the other goes first. The true test is going to this rock against yourself, it appeared to me. Seemed like watching others go before you gave a massive advantage, especially in these dire situations.

• Just a me thing, but I would've loved to see all the competitors sitting on that boat watching the final climbs. I think that could've made it a little bit more special and climactic.

I've climbed a lot, and was looking forward to seeing this show. However, it's a climbing show without much climbing and too much talking about climbing. The competitors are so right-on and full of BS with their "I love you," and "totally" and "you're so beautiful" "no YOU'RE beautiful." It's genuinely annoyingly and distracting - like totally. FFS.

Chris Sharman is a genuine climbing legend and a great presenter but Megan's voice is so nasal and grating. Like totally, super annoying, oh MY god!

It's such a shame because the climbing venues are spectacular but for a sports show, there is way too much focus on feelings and not enough focus on the competition. It's like watching a group of friends hanging out who also happen to be climbers.

In a world filled with superficial people who only use a sweaty gym to pump their muscles to get 'fit', and where most tv competitions have contestans who are there for clout and insta-followers, this is a very welcome deviation from that.

The world of climbing.

Throughout the show you really get a feeling of the climbing community. Which is genuine, friendly and so very supportive of one another.

Climbing is loving and respecting nature, and the rocks are there to conquer. The competition shows different sides of climbing, techniques, and the beauty of earth

Making a show and a competition out of that was an original idea. I'm really happy they kept the show so natural and unpolished. Two of the very best climbers guide the competition and are giving the show direction.

I read some critique that Jason Mamao is not involved in the show. That's true, but I actually really don't mind. It would have shifted the attention towards him and probably given this a different dynamic.