(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?
I want them to go on they have so much to teach us and stuff they haven’t done yet. This show has helped me alot and I’m gonna be teaching sign language to kids. I will be great at it and I live children very much. So think about season 6 7 8 9 10 I know the actors in the show would be so great to having the show continue.
Please have a season 6. Love the story line
Season six please I love this show and saw myself even doing hand motions while I talk after watching. My boy loved it and it teaches a lesson that anyone can be anything no matter what. Emmet and bay need each other please come back.
I love this show. Especially since it includes all different ways of handling how to communicate with the handicap. More people need to watch this show. Please consider to continue this program.
Please do a sixth season it was such a great show really individual and a great plot the story needs to go on . Will bay end back up with Emmett will Daphne end up with Chris .
Please do season 6 switch at birth.i want bay to stay with emmet they make a good couple
Loved it- so sorry it’s over
I love this show it my favorite hope theres more more sessions love it please don’t stop making it thank you
I really want to know what happens with Eric and Regina after he served his time, and how Travis and Bay work through the long distance relationship. The ending of the 5th seasons just left our minds wondering and craving more please bring switched at birth back for a 6th season .
Omg I love this show there has to be a season 6
YES!!!!!! ! Hoping it will be renewed !!! Very much have enjoyed the deverse story lines … awesome actors and love the signing too . Really hope you’re considering it !!. Many thanks ~ Bonnie
My daughter told me about this show so i watch the first show and was into i loved it .it made me laugh n also made me cry what a awesome show just finish season 5 and im so sad it ended please come out with season 6 please i miss this show wish their were more seasons to come…
I think there should be a sixth season. I love the show and many others do to.
Please bring the show back!! I started watching an episode with my son one day& got totally sucked in. Needless to say Iwatched all 5 seasons in about 3 weeks. I want I cry it’s not coming back. I love the characters.
It did not end correctly to have been last episode. Too many unanswered questions. I say give it another season and see what happens. Please