The Climb

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.

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.

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.

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.