(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 renew the show!
Everything everyone says on here is so true. I actually wanted to learn more and learn sign language from watching this show. It’s a nice show and I do think we should have a season 6 I love it.
Really really disappointed that this series is ending. I absolutely love this show. I googled tv shows I think over a year ago when I needed something to binge watch. As soon as I saw the trailer for this show I knew I wouldn’t regret watching it. This show has taught me so much about ASL, Down syndrome, unique families and so much more. It also inspired me to learn ASL and to look into helping people with Down syndrome be normalized. I really hope freeform and everyone part of this show rethink about renewing it for season 6. I… Read more »
I have watched every episode of switched at birth. This is an awesome show. Please don’t let it end.
After all the tv series I have watched (wich is alot) this one is my absolute favorite. Please continue with a season 6. I would be so sad if season 5 was the end
Please do a season 6, its the best TV series I’ve ever watched and its really sad that its been cancelled.
there should be more it cant end like this i love this show
I admit i didnt really watch much shortly after bay and Emmitt broke up. I was really hoping they would find their way back to eachother. I kinda think thats when the ratings started to fall. They were the perfect couple! I would DEFINITELY watch a season 6 or 7 to see them end up together!!
I actually LOVE Bay and Travis’s relationship! Her and Emmett went through a lot and even though it’s a TV show, just like in real relationships they would more than likely keep referring to the past and hurting each other. So many other shows focus on only “True Love Forever,” but i think it’s nice that the producers decided not to have them make each other miserable throughout the whole show.
The 6th season is a must and there should be at least one more season. Make is end in the right way and plan things out. Don’t ruin such a good family show for it’s devoted fan base. Ratings aren’t always everything.
6th season!!!!
Please renew the show it is such a wonderful show.
I really think they should have a 6th because the way it ended there is so much more to tell they and also a seventh season and wrap it up at the 7th season on the seventh season they could do something like Daphne graduates College and becomes a doctor and bay hit it big on her tattoos art and Regina Mary’s Eric that would be the perfect ending for a season 7. and for the 6 season we all know how that one should go. Also I think who cares if the ratings are low it’s a great show… Read more »
i love the show switched at birth.please bring it back or make a spin off with lil baby carlton
Yes! We need a season 6,7,8….. why take off a inspirational, wholesome , family show?! Take off the sex, violence, profanity shows.
Forget the low rating. Please renew the Switched at Birth for Season 6 asap. We love those episodes so much. I am deaf myself and my boyfriend is learning the ASL from the awesome show.