(Freeform / Tony Rivetti)

Vulture Watch

What’s in store for “switsters” Daphne and Bay? Has the Switched at Birth TV show been cancelled or renewed for a sixth season on Freeform? The television vulture is watching all the latest cancellation and renewal news, so this page is the place to track the status of Switched at Birth, season six. Bookmark it, or subscribe for the latest updates. Remember, the television vulture is watching your shows. Are you?  
 

What’s This TV Show About?

Airing on Freeform, Switched at Birth follows Daphne Vasquez (Katie Leclerc) and Bay Kennish (Vanessa Marano). Their lives are turned upside after Bay discovers that, as babies, they were sent home from the hospital with the wrong families. A family drama, Switched at Birth explores early adulthood, blended families, and deaf culture. It also includes scenes shot entirely in American Sign Language. In addition, the cast includes Lea Thompson, Constance Marie, Sean Berdy, D.W. Moffett, Lucas Grabeel, and Giles Marini. Marlee Martin guest stars.
 

Season Five Ratings

The fifth season of Switched at Birth averaged a 0.21 rating in the 18-49 demographic and 501,000 viewers. Compared to the fourth season, season five was down by 51% in the demo and down by 51% in viewership. Learn how Switched at Birth stacks up against other Freeform TV shows.
 

Telly’s Take

I must admit, when Freeform confirmed Switched at Birth season five would be the final installment — it surprised me. Even though its ratings fell in season four, the critically acclaimed drama is still one of the cabler’s top shows. I suspect Freeform decided to cancel (or end) Switched at Birth due to a combination of slipping ratings, diminishing returns, and because of the tone of the show. When Switched at Birth first premiered, the channel was still known as “ABC Family.” Since rebranding, Freeform has tried to promote edgier content.

In my opinion, that rebranding is the reason for the long delay between Switched at Birth‘s fourth and fifth seasons: Freeform didn’t know where the show fit. In addition, cast member contract options often expire after five seasons. A series renewal would probably require a new round of negotiations and hence, more money. Finally, Switched at Birth ran long enough to produce a good sized syndication package.  All that said, while I’ve had my eye on this one for a while, I suspect chowing down on Switched at Birth will induce regret-fueled heartburn. RIP.
 

Switched at Birth Cancellation & Renewal Related Links

• TV show ratings can determine a spinoff or TV series reunion. Follow Switched at Birth’s weekly ups and downs.

• Check the rankings for all of Freeform’s TV shows.

• How do this show’s ratings compare to the network TV shows?

• Find more Switched at Birth TV series news or other Freeform TV show news.

• Don’t miss our other TV show status pages.

• Check out our lists of already cancelled and ended TV shows.

What do you think? How do you feel about this series ending after season five? Do you think Freeform should have renewed Switched at Birth for season six?