AXN refreshes primetime programming

AXN has given its Indian primetime programming schedule a new look starting July 5. The new programme schedule will see a shift in the AXN Prime Zone - featuring the latest multi-award winning drama series like CSI, 24 and Alias - from 10 pm to 8 pm, and the introduction of a movie belt on Mondays and Tuesdays at 10 pm.

AXN said, the programming content will remain largely unchanged; the new-look primetime schedule will provide a solid three-way fit between AXN, its viewers who will now be able to enjoy action-adventure programming at times that are most suited to their lifestyles, and advertisers who will be able to send their messages directly to their desired target audience.

The action-adventure channel, which is distributed by The One Alliance into almost 2 crore homes across India, recently soared to the very top of the ratings ladder amongst all English entertainment channels during the day and also during primetime. Not only was it a hit amongst all adults aged 15-44 in the AB socio-economic strata, it was also the leading channel with women in India aged 15-44 (AB class), topping all English GE (including music and infotainment) and movie channels. (source: TAM).

AXN will be launching new titles every month. In July, the fifth and latest season of the Emmy-award winning The Amazing Race will take off, and will feature a pitstop in Kolkata. Also premiering in July are the special 7-episode Couples Fear Factor, where couples face off against their worst fears and other conniving couples in the bid to win the whopping $1million grand prize, and brand new seasons of Xena Warrior Princess starring Lucy Lawless, and Canada's top legal drama, The Associates. The ever-popular Hot N' Wild belt will premiere the 2-part World's Sexiest Commercials featuring some of the most titillating and tantalizing television ads ever to be made.

In August, AXN will bring viewers Next Action Star, a brand new reality series produced by top Hollywood producer Joel Silver (The Matrix, Gothika, Swordfish, Lethal Weapon) that searches for an action hero and heroine. Featuring a casting call which sees 14 finalists fighting to stay on in the show despite weekly eliminations, the series' winners will star in action movie - Bet Your Life - starring Billy Zane, and also produced by Joel Silver. More late night escapism is guaranteed with Bikini Destinations, which takes viewers on a weekly adventure to the hottest locations and greatest party destinations in the world, premiering in the Hot N' Wild belt. B!G Thrills TV - featuring some of the most unbelievable and edge-of-your-seat reality specials such as World's Most Shocking Moments Caught on Tape and When Animals Attack - will be AXN's Independence month offering every Sunday from 12 noon-5 pm. Pitch Black, the precursor to the soon-to-be-released The Chronicles of Riddick starring Vin Diesel, also premieres this August, giving viewers a look at the movie which shot the action star to fame.

September will see AXN premiere Kingdom Hospital, the eerie and chilling drama series produced by the Master of Horror Stephen King. Based on the original masterpiece series "Kingdom" by Danish filmmaker Lars Von Trier, the creepy tale about a hospital with hidden secrets stars Bruce Davison (of X-Men fame) and Andrew McCarthy (St Elmo's Fire). © 2004 agencyfaqs!