(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?
Total bummer that they are not making a season 6. My kids and I loved this show. We were even picking up on some of the signing. I am half deaf and really enjoyed watching all that the characters wen through. Wish they changed there minds.
I think they should have a season six that buy and Emmett get back to you
I just found this show about a week ago I’ve been obsessed I’m already at the second to last episode and I honestly have no idea what I’m gonna do once I finish it, I guess I could rewatch it but this show has made such an impact in my life, it is the first show I’ve ever felt happy watching. it made me feel like I wasn’t alone for the first time in years. for the first time I felt alive, like I was gonna be okay, this show gave me hope and even if they could just keep… Read more »
I really don’t like how this all ended. I would really like to see more of Switched At Birth.
PLEASE,I WOULD LOVE FOR U TO MAKE SEASON 6,WITH ALOT OF EPASODES,I LOVE THIS SHOW SWITCHED AT BIRTH..AND PLEASE LIVE BAY AND EMMET STAY AS A COUPLE
Please give us more seasons!!! I’m learning the ASL as I continue to watch this.
6
I love the show, would love to see where Bay and Daphane, end up, please bring it back.
I would love a season 6, Bay and Daphane getting Married, and seeing Toby with his Kid, And Rigena raising Will, and Eric getting out of jail, so much more to tell. Loved it , thank you
Me and my family really love this show and we think that there should be more episodes made of it thank you
Very addicted can’t live without it. PLEASE CONTINUE!!!!
same!!!!! love this show i am a #1 fan!! plz,plz.plz,plz make a season 6!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Please give us season 6!!
I really love this show and would love to see it continue at least for l more season. I personally know several people who sign. Having been with them from the beginning, they feel like family. The deaf community needs someone in their corner…please!
I just love this show. I am so addicted to switch at birth. Dont cancel. Im heart broken.
Please, please put season 6 on.. I have never liked a show this much and I feel this show shows us a lot about life in different forms.. this is the best show ever and the characters are so real.. just love it.
please continue the season hopefully bay marries emmit n her mom with eric this was an amazing show i really enjoyed this show