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.

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.

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.

Love climbing films and shows but this is a hard watch. All the drama, the constant screaming while people climb, the swearing, the "finding of inner self". Wow. Too much. Maybe Americans are used to that after swallowing 10seasons if Kardashians but no one in climbing world will take this show seriously. I watched it because of the beautiful locations and the climbs themselves but its not something to rave about really. Shame because trailer really sold it. Just the show itself did not deliver. There is not enough explanation for newbies, and there is too much gimmicks for people who climb. Shame.

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.