Netflix is pushing deeper into live programming with what may be its riskiest bet yet: a real-time climb of a 101-story skyscraper in Taipei – without ropes nor a safety net.

Alex Honnold, the famed US free-solo climber, was set to begin ascending the exterior of Taipei 101 – 508 metres of glass and steel – at 9am local time on Jan 24 in a global live stream that Netflix hopes will draw millions of viewers. But rain has forced a postponement of the event by 24 hours, Netflix said in a statement, adding safety remains its top priority.