(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 bring back switch at birth I loved watching it. I laughed cried along, etc. There so much I love to have answered from through put the series. I personally don’t think they ended the whole series in a good spot to a point.
Please, don’t let the show end. I just finished watching season 5 and I’m craving for more episodes and left with unanswered questions!! This has been the best live show I’ve ever seen, because I’m usually only been watching cartoons or anime until just a few days ago when I started Switched at Birth! This show is my favourite show ever that isn’t a cartoon or an anime!
Please don’t end Switched at Birth it is the best show I’ve seen in years. I’ve laughed and cried, cheered them on. You just can’t end this show it’s an Ace.
Life without switch at birth is like life without ice cream. Please bring it back
Please Please renew the contact!! Too many unanswered questions!! I always looked forward to the shows. Please renew
I really hope that you will consider to renew the contract. There is too many unanswered questions with how everyone’s life turns out.
I love this show!
Please renewed!! I love the shows and don’t ever wanted them to end.
I absolutely love this show! It has such relatable topics, and presented in a heartfelt way. I haven’t seen anything on t.v. in a long time that I’ve enjoyed this much. Please begging for season 6!
PLEASE PLEASE ADD A SEASON 6.. LOVE THIS SHOW!!!
Yes yes yes please I am begging you guys this is the best show ever made it’s so emotional I really love it please makes a season 6 fast and keep continuing ❤️
Wish they would bring back switched at birth this is the best show every made.
I personally am one highly impacted by the show. I never got to know my aunt. She developed cancer and it impacted her speech. In her last few months my mom and her twin (my aunt) spoke through sign language. After my aunts death my mom never signed anymore until this show started airing. It got her back into signing and now my sister and I have learned it as well. I even plan on teaching my kids. I am so invested in this show and think it should continue. I relate to both Daphne and Bay. I have a… Read more »
We do need for Switched at Birth every year to keep up for our deaf communities from all over the world! Especialty good for deaf children to see and/or watch television mostly will be increase our deaf people’s counts will be scoring high as I’m sure our deaf people will agree with me for them to CONTINUE, PLEASE and PLEASE don’t STOP! It seems unfair for us! Why not you ask us for rating, what is best like to count for Census Bureau? So what is theme will be next as I am sure all of us will reply BACK… Read more »
This was an excellent series. It covered sensitively so many social topics, had humor, and promoted accountability, self-empowerment, love of family, faith, ….many values that seem to be fading today. I do hope it returns.