The Climb

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.

"The Climb" has been carefully crafted to test a variety of climbing styles to challenge contestants from around the world to crown a winner!

Contestants travel around Spain and Jordon to conquer "The Climb." Each climb challenges contestants to reach out of their comfort zones to push themselves higher.

Although it is a reality show, the normal backstabbing, backbiting, and pettiness was absent from this adrenaline packed show, which was refreshing.

The climbing community appears to be one of support, encouragement, and personal perseverance, which the show was able to share with the audience!

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.

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.

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.