The Climb (2023) User Reviews

Glad I Gave It a Chance

[tdwillis-26273 · 8/10 · 22 January 2023]

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.

New to Rock Climbing?

[seepaulasign · 8/10 · 29 January 2023]

"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!

It's a great watch

[connorlwork · 8/10 · 27 January 2023]

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.

Authenticity is what stands out.

[marijdevos-70906 · 8/10 · 15 February 2023]

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.

"Tough As Nails" reminding competition for climbers

[paul-allaer · 6/10 · 13 January 2023]

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.

Well shot, engaging climbing competition show

[kapsberger · 9/10 · 22 March 2023]

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.

Beautiful scenery but typical reality show

[WeWatchMovies · 7 February 2023]

Gorgeous climbing places was the most enjoyable thing in the show it was just ok, as with any reality show there are so many personalities that are just plain annoying. All the boxes are checked as there has to be a climber that is different. I mean cuz you know they are everywhere. Been to Spain so seeing that environment again was the best part. Jason momoa is not in it very much which was disappointing, maybe a 30 second to 1 minute snip each episode. It's ok if you like climbing. But if you get tired of contestants and their whining stories then be prepared. So hopefully these climbers won't be a Humpty Dumpty. Like any reality show, annoying people. Beautiful scenery but kind of typical reality show.

First ascent...really?

[troysm · 6/10 · 8 March 2023]

As a former amateur rock climber, I was doing fine enjoying the first few episodes. Then I got to episode 5: First Ascent. The episode starts out talking about the excitement of getting to participate in a first climb up an uncharted route. The next thing you know, Chris is using a top rope and ascenders to climb the face and use a drill to install permanent anchors. Really? Even he didn't perform an actual first ascent. At least in my climbing experience, half the challenge of climbing is finding suitable anchor points along the route. This is known as a lead climb. Why even bother with anchors then, just do a top rope climb rather than destroy the natural beauty of the rock face. This is definitely more for armchair climbers that have never stepped foot on a rock.

Great show overall, but it should look less like the rest of the "bs competition shows"

[nickvas71 · 10/10 · 27 January 2023]

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.

Tried hard to like it but I just can't

[joshuafischerr · 4/10 · 25 January 2023]

First off, when I heard Chris Sharma, my childhood hero, was creating a show I was instantly filled with excitement. Now after watching it, I have lost some respect for my once viewed idol.

So the show starts off great, they picked perfect routes that had history and stories behind them from Chris. The first climb they did was a deep water solo, in which a contestant named Deco decided to strategically jump off after passing the bottom contestants high points. This was smart on his part since it had began to rain and the holds were wet and taking a bad fall from higher up could end his competition early. Especially since there is no incentive to top the route or to climb it the fastest. Later on in the episode Chris digs into Deco and says he lost a lot of respect for him for jumping off early... for what? Playing the competition? It's not his fault the show has a poorly structured competitive nature to it.

After the first episode there isn't much to rave about. The camera work is decent at best. They don't get the best shots of the climbers and often show terrible views, and the b-roll of scenery isn't that great as well. They also don't show or talk about the history of the climbing areas that much, it's usually only from Chris's experience. I don't know where Jason is during any of this, he is more of just a marketing face, although where the show truly shines is seeing Jason's and Chris's friendship. It's really cool to see how the most oddly paired climbing partners can be great friends. And I don't know why Megan is in the show, she truly doesn't add anything. There are no stories from her or background information, she's kinda there just to cheer on the contestants.

Now back to the Deco drama. On episode 5 they are climbing a newly established route set by Chris on this beautiful sandstone. If you know anything about climbing on sandstone you'll know how easily holds can chip or break off. And if you didn't know that, then you have Chris and Megan to remind you 100 times as they were setting up the route(if that isn't foreshadowing for what's about to come). So it comes to Deco's turn to climb, and as he is his usually quirky self as he begins to climb. In his first 10-15 moves he grabs a hold and it breaks off, again this thing happens, especially on newly established sandstone routes. Then they immediately began to insult his character again and say that he is childish and not serious. As if the hold cares that you are dead serious or just having fun.

Also on the first episode they made it a point that they are looking for the best up and coming climbers and are going to give them an opportunity of a lifetime. But they are all just average climbers, and I doubt any of them can climb V10 or 5.13b and above. I can't see any of them gaining a following, especially since there seems to be no focus on contestants back stories. And Tiffany.... She has to be the most annoying contestant ever. She cries about everything and is definitely one of those people that cries to get sympathy like she'll get a handout.

Overall I was really disappointed in the show. It is an amazing concept, they just didn't execute it the way they should have. I keep Forgetting that this is a competition since there are no rewards/prizes of getting first on climbs. If there were incentives like choosing order, free from elimination, or beta from Chris himself then it's feel like an actual competition.

Good premise tarnished by diversity over climbing skill

[dloomis-34578 · 5/10 · 13 January 2023]

I like reality TV shows, and I like climbing shows and films (even though I do not climb), so I was looking forward to this show. The premise, I think, is great, and the hosts do a good job.

The problem I have is that the show states their premise is to bring together the most promising amateur climbers for this competition. What they actually did was bring together the most diverse group of amateur climbers they could find. The result is that the climbing skills on display from the contestants are, for the most part, less than stellar, as climbing skill was secondary to checking a box on the diversity bingo game.

I will still watch it to its end, and already in the 1st three episodes weak, diversity climbers have been falling by the wayside.

A climbing show without much climbing

[expatrickdale · 5/10 · 1 February 2023]

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.

They blew their budget on one hour of Jason Momoa's time

[myownsuperfan · 2/10 · 31 January 2023]

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.

Misleading

[naydelinmg · 1/10 · 4 February 2023]

Jason Momoa isn't even on the show. The show is just plain boring and tedious to watch. And I don't know a thing about rock climbing but I wanna believe that there is more to it than "keep going" and "focus" to it, but I guess the directors just assume I know what they are talking about(?). I would still like to know what exactly makes you a legendary climber. They provide no information about any of the contestants, like their height or their weight, which I think could be something you might wanna consider in order to try to measure their ability. The whole thing just seems very rushed and I do believe they miss a lot of crucial points and get lost on mundane stuff. I could not make it past the 3rd episode, save yourself some time, it really isn't that good.

Stop with the unnecessary drama

[morganbradford · 2/10 · 11 August 2023]

I think a climbing competition show is a great concept, especially as it grows and becomes a bigger sport now is the time.

But no one wants reality tv drama in a show about rock climbing. Like all sports you can take them seriously but ultimately it's about having a a good time because it's something you love and are passionate about.

There are plenty of YouTuber professional climbers that compete against each other on camera or try to send projects with a casual atmosphere and no unnecessary drama.

Justice for Decko, Sharma is obviously an unbelievable climber but he's cringe. Please no more cringe next season.

Testosterone wins!

[wrapper-96237 · 1/10 · 28 January 2023]

Ever seen a person win a sporting competition on performance enhancing drugs? Yeah. That's literally all that happens. The dude taking testosterone won. Big surprise. Lack of any cool shots the whole time too. So no cool shots of them clipping in to things or anything. I saw him drill a hole and shove one of those ring things if that counts. But that wasn't even part of the competition and even if it was it doesn't count. Plenty of cuts to other closeup shots but no just views of them climbing the wall so you can get an idea of how they climb or if they're fast. You only have the judges saying "that was fast" as they finish the climb and you're over here wondering why every shot took that out of perspective totally. No education on climbing or how it really works so we're over here asking things about how the gear they use works rather than watching the show and having literally ANY of that explained to us. Just poorly planned it feels like. Just completely underwhelming. I feel like I've seen Red Bull commercials that were more action packed and had better shots. This felt like it sounded like a good idea but then you see the execution and it's just bad in every way. Not to mention they let somebody on testosterone win. Then they say things like "wow he just does not rest". Uhm... Duh.

Sudden death on v4, did you know the max grade is v17.

[hagenvolta · 1/10 · 3 February 2023]

Chris Sharma failed hard on this one, instead doing a rock climbing show, he did something that follow the trending ideológical ideas. So this rock climbing show went wrong since the begining, please save your time, instead search for the reel rock or Kings of the lines where you will see the real chris sharma. I doubt to see more than 2 chapters because this is a drama show where only selected real amaterish climbers, if he look for real rock climbers, some of them are not behind chris sharma, some of them maybe beat him, so please save your time and see everything else, this is not rock climbing, Just imagine they went to sudden death in a boulder v4, the highest boulder problem is v17, in my gym there amateur dudes Who Climb v12.

American reality show. A bit tragic

[paula-17522 · 3/10 · 24 September 2023]

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.