(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?
Please more seasons…..Please Please
They can’t end a season the way they did with suspense… What happened? More seasons please! There are stupid tv shows outhere with more that 5 seasons… This one (SaB) is one of the best tv shows I have ever seen!
It’s horrible to end this show and not go on. There is sooo much left to see and tell! What happens with Regina raising Will and when Eric gets out of prison? What happens with Emmett and Travis and Bay? What happens with Melody and Gabe and taking in Mathew? Plus Toby and Lilly and little Carlton? Does Daphne become a doctor? The list goes on. I thought this show could go on for many many more seasons. I’m 35 years old with a husband and four children and I watched all 5 seasons in a month because it’s that… Read more »
I am a deaf woman . I am also an avid fan of the television program of Switch At Birth. I had referred this sow to my “hearing” friends and family! The show has in many ways raised their awareness that deaf and hearing people are quite compatible given that the language barrier can be traverse! Our humanity is what bridge us together!
I miss this seris so sad to see if gone. One of the first things I watch after my deployment. Wasn’t scared to talk about real issue. One on the best shows on TV.
I think they should do a season 6 of Switch at Birth like what happens to the girls do they make there dreams come true do they get married and to whom ??? I want to see more of this show is my favorite
heey i wish there was more seasons cause i really want to find out who is the father of bay’s twins and daphne getting married to and emmett finding someone new and if travis and bay still together so please dont stop season 5 of switched at birth i want it to keep going i love this show and i really dont want it to end like this 🙁
Their is no way they can stop at season 5. Their is really stupid shows out and last till 8 seasons, they have to at least give us 2 or 3 more seasons!!! Please!!!
I need need need more seasons! please!
Yea more seasons please how can they stop it the way they did !
PLEASE MORE season of this. I am begging you not to stop.
I absolutely LOVED Switched at Birth. I would love for another season or two or three. I want to know what happened to everyone with Emmett and Travis going to Japan and is Daphne going to become a doctor and will Bay become big tattoo artist. And can Bay and Emmett get back together. They are the ones who should be. I totally fell n love with Emmett. Real talk. I googled him and everything. Please have another season ot two or three. I felt left hanging after season 5. I binged watched it on Netflix and I’m hooked. I… Read more »
It is absolutely the best show on television! The acting is superb! I’m crushed that they canceled it. I would love for them to bring it back. Due to this show I have an understanding of deaf culture I never had before and I learned sign language because of it and have been able to communicate with people that I never would’ve been able to communicate with before all because of this amazing show. The characters are engaging. Emmett and Bay are awesome together even as friends.
I love this story,I finished watching season 5 ,I want to see more!
I think it’s wrong to tke the show off the air of switched at birth …It’s a very gd show for teens and a lot of family’s was watching the show .Please bring it bk.
This show has an awesome vibe I know it’s been a while but I just finished seeing the last season and realized how much I loved this show I would love for them to continue this show pls bring it back it gave me something to look forward to see