(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?
If FREEDOM no longer wants to produce it , Perhaps Netflex can take on the active role !
You have to wing US of this addiction !! lol
You can’t just take the show aaway just like
That !! ” SEASON 6 ” SEASON 6 ” !
Noooooooo, it cannot end please im crying right now because im looking at this !!!!!
Please bring switch at birth back
Im a big fan of switch at birth I’m sad it came to a end I wish there was going to be more seasons it would of been nice to see what happens to Emmett and bay and if they was ever going to get back together and the guy she ended up with is a great guy and it would of been nice to see what happens to the other cast
Season 5 cannot be the final season!! Bring us more
Will there be another season of switched at birth
I agree please bring it back I would love to see what season 6 has in store for the cast when I found out season 5 was the last I cried this show really has meaning it’s changed so many lives it thought me a lot when I watched it…ever since I was little I wanted a job helping special needs kids,but when I watched switched at birth and seen Carlton &how he had down syndrome I seen how special he was and told myself this is it..this is what I wanna do with my life I wanna help special… Read more »
Switched at birth is the most amazing show and captivates the struggles of so many in amazing ways. There are absolutely no other shows that compare to the emotional ride of this one and i feel that cancelling after the 5th season is a huge mistake. Please bring it back, if not for all the fans, then for the deaf fans that don’t get many shows like this. So many more people could have their eyes opened into other people’s realities.
Please bring back switched at birth, it’s one of the best shows on the air!
5 seasons it definately not enough! Bring it back!! 🙁
Season 5 was absolutely awesome. The finale was amazing….ended on a real “feel good” note. Would love to see what would be in store for a season 6. If it never comes back on, I’m still grateful I was able to view this show. Excellent show!
Please bring it back!!! Me and my wife love this show.
I need a season 6! This was a great show to watch, I actually learned some sign language along the way. Please don’t end it.
The should be continued, it’s excellent
I want to know what happens with the family
Renewed Renewed Renewed