H2 (A&E Networks)

H2
Logo used since 2021
CountryUnited States
Broadcast areaWorldwide
HeadquartersBrooklyn, New York City
Programming
LanguageEnglish
Picture format1080i HDTV
Ownership
OwnerA+E Global Media
Sister channelsList of Sky UK channels
History
LaunchedSeptember 2011 (2011-09)
ClosedOctober 1, 2022 (2022-10-01) (Southeast Asia)

H2 (or History2) is a brand name owned by A+E Global Media (a joint venture between the Hearst Communications and the Walt Disney Television division of The Walt Disney Company), used for a sister TV network of History. The brand was debuted in September 2011 when History International in the United States was relaunched as H2. The brand was expanded outside the U.S. since then. H2 in the United States was relaunched on February 29, 2016 as Vice TV, but the H2 brand is still used for sister channels to History in other markets.

A&E Networks began rebranding the remaining versions of H2 as History2, starting with Latin American version on January 1, 2019.

On November 6, 2018, concerning Disney's proposed acquisition of 21st Century Fox, the European Commission required Disney to sell A&E's television operations in Europe, which include the versions of H2 in the area.

North America

The H2 brand was introduced in the United States, when History International was re-branded as such on September 26, 2011, with its programming refocused to feature documentary content from its sister network History, prior to that network's shift towards more reality programming. The American channel was subsequently replaced by Viceland on February 29, 2016.

Canada

On August 27, 2012, Shaw Media, relaunched the male-focused Category A digital channel, The Cave as a domestic Canadian version of H2.

Latin America

In 2014, a Latin American version of H2 was launched under the ownership of A+E Networks Latin America (a joint venture between A+E Networks and Ole Communications) and distributed by Ole Distribution. On January 1, 2019, H2 was re-branded as History2.

Europe

Logo used from 2020 to 2024 in the United Kingdom and Ireland
Logo used from 24 February to 28 September 2026 in the United Kingdom and Ireland
Logo used of MysteryX since 29 September 2026 in the United Kingdom and Ireland

Croatia

The Croatian version of H2 was launched on February 1, 2018 on Hrvatski Telekom's MaxTV.[citation needed]

Poland

The Polish version of H2 was launched on October 28, 2014. On 6 February 2019, the channel was rebranded as History2.[citation needed]

Serbia

On April 12, 2015, the Serbian version of H2 was launched to Orion TV customers. It was also made available to MTS TV customers in May of that year.[citation needed]

United Kingdom and Ireland

Military History

On May 4, 2013, the local version of Military History was re-branded as H2. The channel launched on TalkTalk on August 28, 2014, and a few months later on BT TV. An HD version launched on Virgin Media on December 1, 2015, and later on BT TV in October 2016.

History2 & Sky History2

On February 6, 2019, this version was re-branded again as History2. On May 27, 2020, to coincide with the launches of Sky Documentaries and Sky Nature, History and History2 rebranded to Sky History and Sky History2, respectively, in the UK and Ireland.

MysteryX

On September 29, 2026, Sky History2 was rebranded to MysteryX.

MENA

In the Middle East and North Africa, the regional version of H2 is available on OSN since February 1, 2016.

Asia

In Southeast Asia, A+E Networks launched a regional version of H2 on June 14, 2013. After 9 years of broadcasting, H2 Asia ceased broadcasting on 1 October 2022.[citation needed]

Australia

In Australia, H2 became available on 9Now in 2025.

See also

References

  1. 1 2 "It's Official: Vice Channel to Take Over A+E Networks' History Spinoff H2". The Hollywood Reporter. Retrieved 29 February 2016.
  2. ↑ Roxborough, Scott (6 November 2018). "Disney's Fox Deal Gets European Union Clearance Subject to Divestments". The Hollywood Reporter.
  3. ↑ Lafayettepublished, Jon (2 September 2011). "EXCLUSIVE: New Network Name Becomes History". Broadcasting Cable. Retrieved 25 November 2023.
  4. ↑ "Shaw Media and A&E to Launch Two New Specialty Channels". broadcastermagazine.com. Retrieved 25 November 2023.
  5. ↑ A&E Ole Networks realiza su Upfront 2013, TodoTVNews, September 25, 2012.
  6. ↑ Dale, Martin (28 September 2014). "Emilio Alcalde, Krishna Mahon, A+E Networks Latin America, on Brazil's Pay TV Market". Variety. Retrieved 25 November 2023.
  7. ↑ "H2 launching Saturday, May 4th". imediamonkey. 19 April 2013. Archived from the original on 11 May 2013.
  8. ↑ "Sky and A+E Networks® UK strengthen joint venture with launch of Sky HISTORY". Sky Group Newsroom. 20 February 2020. Retrieved 8 April 2020.
  9. ↑ KevNewMedia (28 August 2026). "Changes to the TV Guide - September 2026". Sky Community. Sky UK. Retrieved 29 September 2026.
  10. ↑ "OSN تكشف عن 6 قنوات جديدة وتسلط الضوء على موقعها الاستثنائي كمزود لأفضل محتوى حصري في 2016". البوابة (in Arabic). Retrieved 10 April 2023.
  11. ↑ "A+E continues MENA expansion with launch of premium H2 HD on OSN | Pay-TV | News | Rapid TV News". www.rapidtvnews.com. Retrieved 10 April 2023.
  12. ↑ "A+E Networks' venture brings Lifetime and H2 to Southeast Asia". Campaign Asia. 20 May 2013. Archived from the original on 23 March 2016. Retrieved 28 February 2019.
  13. ↑ "The 9Network partners with A+E Media Group launching two fast channels on 9Now". Nine for Brands. Retrieved 14 August 2025.
  14. ↑ "Live TV - 9Now - Watch Channel 9 Live TV Streams". www.9now.com.au. Retrieved 14 August 2025.