(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 could watch it for ever… I hope they will make more seasons!
My Daughter and I binge watch the show and it is become like a part of us now. It feels like something is missing now that I’ve completed season five. Please do season six and close the loop on all the unanswered questions. We absolutely love that show. And I have fallen in love with ASL.
it needs another season . i don’t think travis and bag should end up together. bay and emmett are made for eachother and work way better . they are still in love with each other and everyone can agree . i want to see what happens with will and regina also . how long is eric in jail for ?
There has to be another season! The show can`t end there.
I was joking, but PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE!!!!!!!!!
Please don’t end the show! It’s unlike anything I’ve ever seen! Every single episode had a different meaning and connected together at the same time.. Please! I will boycott freeform lol
We need more… feels undone. Please bring it back.
I’m so hooked…
Please bring it back. It was a great look on so many of today’s issues. From race disability financial. The show was refreshing and entertaining.
I’m shocked that there wasn’t at least one more season. It kind of left me hanging at the end of season 5. I really wish they would’ve let us know how it went with Bay and Travis being apart. Then the fact they brought Eric back and left us hanging there. I definitely think it could’ve had one more season at least. This show had me so involved and tugged on my heart strings.
Amberbrookes12
I really like this show and all the actors / characters. Your story lines and lessons are great. I really appreciate your message of diversity, tolerance and acceptance. You touch on this on many different levels and do so in a very heartfelt manner. We need more of these kind of shows. Bravo… very well done! I truly hope you keep going, whether with Season 6 or a spin off.
Please do not end Switched at Birth. What a great show to watch with my kids. We all loved to watch it. Please please bring it back. We truly miss the show and hope to see another season.
Such a great show, please keep it going and yes, so many things left up in the air??
We want more!!!!
There needs to be more series of switched at birth. I enjoyed watching the girls grow into young women and would like to see how they do add mothers and how Toby and Lilly does as parents of downs syndrome child. I was one myself. But also Bay and Emmett needs to reconnect. (Married) And also daphne and mingo.
I would love if there was a season 6 and onwards of switched at birth! I discovered this show on Netflix and now that I’m done watching I am hungry for more! Please bring this show back. I loved the topics and everything about this drama.
I would love to see a season 6 n what happens is everyones future