(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.
On March 13, 2016, it was announced Switched at Birth would end after its fifth and final season. Stay tuned for further updates.
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 spin-off or TV series reunion. Follow Switched at Birth’s weekly ups and downs.
- 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?
You can’t end a series like that with so many things not answered we need more.
Yes, they should bring back Switched at Birth for season 6. I love the show and would LOVE to see another season!
I love this show, I feel like I can rewatch over and over. It break my heart to see this show end. I really hope they decide to renegotiate and make a season 6. This show has it all. I also believe that with the current viewers and great publicity this show could return a great profit margin by the end of season 6.
I really love the show switched at birth. I wish that they would keep it going as I get alot out of every show and always look forward to watching it. It makes me sad to see a show I was really enjoying is cancelling.
Big mistake by not renewing this show. One of my all time favorites. Still holding out hope that they will come back for just one more season!!!!
When I clicked on this show, I never imagined how it would change my life.. it gave me a better meaning to life.. pls.. pls continue season 6??? Not sure how the ratings are low.. it is an amazing show that opens your eye to knowledge and reality.. love it!! Love it!! Love it!! ❤
I love this show. I just don’t wanted this show to going can you be like Gilmore Girls and going on Netflix and going on there is don’t care if you guys stay pleases come back for next year. Pleases
I definitely do not want to see this show come to an end. Please renew for season 6
Love “Switched at Birth” how can you have a low rating on a show this great? I so wish it would be renewed!
Oh, gosh, I love this show, please don’t let it end!
Please renew for season six. I feel Ty should come back for Bay, that’s how it should end. I feel this is a powerful show and really reaches out to alot of families. One more year would be super. But if not Ty and Bay should be together. Mingo and Daphanie together. So go another year and make it happen. Really need season six. If not Ty and Bay, then Emmett and Bay.
I’m very sad to hear Switched at birth is ending. I was hoping that it wasn’t true! This show was the only show I watched on Freeform.
I meant spinoff call swisters.
I feel if they cancel switched at birth they could start spin off sisters with bay, Daphne ,emmett, Travis, mingo, Toby, lilly…ect.. or do another season to good of a series to let go. Sends great messages to deaf and hearing people. Love this show.
loved this show.there was a lot of good to this show.please done stop.
The program switched at birth should be be renewed for season 6. It deals with issues and i would like this program to be renewed!