AXN launched in the
Indian subcontinent on 8 January 1999 as a flagship feed of
AXN Asia. During the channel's early years it operated as a genre-based network, airing mainly action films, action programmes, action animation and action sports. Facing tough competition from rival networks
Zee Café and
Star World and a precipitous decline in the international
syndication market for fictional action series and films, the channel shifted in mid-2005 by gradually incorporating more and more drama and comedy based programs into its schedule in order to attract more viewers and replicate the success shows such as
Friends (comedy) and
Law & Order (drama) had found on other channels. Big acquisitions included
24 and the
CSI franchise. which carried the same schedule as the SD feed but with different commercials.
Rebranding The channel underwent a rebranding on 24 January 2016 with the addition of the slogan Live R.E.D standing for Reality, Entertainment and Drama. During the premiering
Billions with this transformation, the channel sought to further diversify its portfolio away from its action genre by airing action shows with more intense, smart and unexpected characters. To further its mission of diversification, the channel forged a multi-year deal with
CBS Studios in July 2014, acquiring exclusive broadcast rights to
the network's shows in India. The acquisition of the critically acclaimed
Hulu original series ''
The Handmaid's Tale'' for first airing in India also helped greatly in attracting more viewers for the channel and advertising the channel's content. ==Closure==