Action channel AXN – one of Asia’s longest-running pay-TV brands – shows up in 2023 updated and reshaped for an on-demand, ultra-populated and scattered entertainment environment.

Still a linear English-language entertainment leader in the region, the channel under owners KC Global Media, has shifted into first run/exclusive premiere+catch-up mode on both its linear schedule with added on-demand functionality. 

The on-demand function includes, for example, six episodes of "The Amazing Race" S34 (as of 20 Feb on Singtel’s standalone streaming app, Cast) and 12 eps of Wipeout S9.

“Having a ton of catch-up available has allowed linear to be a more streamlined/frictionless way for consumers to get to shows,” says George Chien, KC Global Media’s co-founder/CEO.

As streamers in Asia grapple with the complexities of the SVOD environment, linear programmers are attempting to wrest back a narrative that focuses on value, clarity, simplicity and easy access. 

The refreshed story includes pared-down acquisitions, rationalised costs and simple scheduling that both re-enforces appointment viewing and offers options in encore broadcasts. 

AXN remains an active buyer of action/adventure-skewed U.S. studio titles, including the "CSI" and "NCIS" franchises from Paramount. The network also keeps a keen eye on indie productions from around the world.   

Whatever the industry drama and upheaval all around it, AXN’s core acquisitions strategy has not changed. Much like they always have, programmers say decisions to acquire U.S. drama series depend on a range of factors, including popularity and success in the U.S. 

March 2023 marks the first and exclusive premiere of "Seal Team" season six, acquired from Paramount Global Content Distribution.

The season will air on AXN on 2 March in the Thursday 9.45pm slot currently filled by "S.W.A.T." S5. The 10-episode season premiered exclusively on Paramount+ in the U.S., in September 2022, followed in January this year by a renewal for the seventh season.  

Perhaps the most critical change is the necessity for on-demand rights. This is driven by the change in consumption habits. Viewers, the programming team says, “need more options to catch up”. 

Competition-based reality formats that feature gradual elimination of participants, such as "The Amazing Race" and "WipeOut", continue to be relevant and popular with AXN’s audiences.  

Although large-scale Asia-based versions of "The Amazing Race" have been paused for now (S5 aired in 2016), AXN continues to fly the flag for the action format, stripping the U.S. S34 across weekdays at 8.50pm and reinforcing its brand as the property’s home in Asia. 

Local versions of formats such as "Asia’s Got Talent", "The Apprentice Asia" and "The Amazing Race", however, remain on the radar.

“Asian original productions will continue to be an important pillar of our content offering,” the network says.