(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?
This show hit home in so many ways. I fell in love with each character. I was sad to know season 5 was the last season. This show is really relatable and i learned alot. It actully helped me through a few things I was going through. I would be so glad to see a season 6.
I love watching this Tv series of Switched At Birth..when i found out it was ending after season 5, i was heart broken..i honestly believe that alot og viewers would love to have a season 6 come out, i know i would! Ty for listening amd also i have learned alot of Sign Language from the show!! Please have a Season 6 of SAB!!!
Please bring switched at birth back!!!!! This show is so amazing I don’t care what the ratings are on this show, it’s a great show! I don’t want to see it end. I hold a showing in an local auditorium where 60-100 kids show up just to watch this show please bring it back. I hold the showing for this show because I fell in love with it and figured if I fell in love with it so would others. And they did. There are more people that like this show than you think!
Please keep this series. I just finished watching the final episode of season 10. This show is fabulous. It cant end. The actors are so likeable and the show has very good content and deals with everyday real issues.
I watched all the shows as a new Netflix subscriber and became in love with all the characters please bring it back
This show is wonderful! I love the characters and the story is always inlightening and holds my heart. I would absolutely watch a 6th season! And I agree with previous comments. I want to see Travis happy and successful, but Bay and Emmett have serious chemistry. It’s still weird to me that she and Travis are together. Everyone who has worked on this show, thank you, and well done.
. Yup, I’d love to see more episodes…… and I agree that Bay and Emmett belong together……once each has matured a little more.
I think this series, which I came very late to, was tremendous. I’m a woman in my 70s with an incredible number of ties to the themes in the episodes—themes that have been milestones in my own life. More than this, I think the series would be awesome as a teaching tool……..for discussions, analyses , and introspection about everything from our history to empathy.
I loved every episode. There was too much kissing for my movie taste, but again, all that would be great fodder for class or counseling group discussions.
I really enjoyed watching this show. I am sad to see it go. I do think they should of done another episode on bay and Travis. I also was hoping to see Emmet and Bay get back together. They made a perfect couple.
There was alot left untold. How Travis and Bay end up? But my personal opinion Emmet and Bay should have someway gotten back together. Its like they belong together. I would like to see season 6 and maybe those two could find their way back to each other.
I think they should renew for a season 6 to show why it left you in the air with Emmet and Bay. I think that Bay and Emmet should have somehow gotten back together.
I think they should renew for a season 6. To show how the cast has grown. How things went with travis over in Tokyo. How things with him and bay go. So much still to see.
There is so much more i want to find out… Switched at birth made me cry made me laugh, and even smile… i have even had dreams about the show bc i watched it so much. this was the best show i have watched in a while.
OH wow I didn’t know it was over. I binged watch this for months and LVED IT. I laughed and cried often. Fantastic show
yes i started watching switched at birth on Netflix and I instantly fell in love with this series. i would spend like 15 hours a day watching it if i wasn’t at work. and i just watched the last episode tonight. Every episode never had a dull moment and it had me to where i didn’t want to leave from in front of the tv. i want to know how Bay’s life as a tattoo artist is going, i want to know how emmett and travis are doing in japan, and also how Regina and Will are doing while waiting… Read more »
Kayla David I ran into Switched at birth while on Netflix just a few weeks ago. I INSTANTLY fell inlove with this series. Every episode had me shocked and wanting to see more. I ended up watching all 5 seasons in a few weeks and I’m bummed to find out they don’t plan to continue. I hope there is some way that this show can continue. There are so many unanswered questions. What is Travis and Toby going to find in Japan, how is Bay’s tattoo artistry going to go, how is the life of raising a Down syndrome child… Read more »