The Climb

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.

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.

"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!

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.

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.