(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 think switched at birth is a get show it should keep the series i feel like i learn from it more that anything. It should be renewed for season six there should be more seasons because Regina is supposed to move out and toby get the guest house and i think Bay and Emmit should get back together they were the cutedt couple on there.
Sad to see go, switched at birth was refreshing to see the family’s love would bring them even closers when times got hard. Ive even learned a few life lesson my self. May sound strange causes the show is just that a show. But people in the real world ive seen not know how to treat people with handicaps. Not understand or just mean and this show shows how we all no matter what our life deals us we all want to be loved & excepted. Well hope yall have a change of heart to bring this show back with… Read more »
I DO NOT BELIEVE THEY ARE CANCELLING SWTCHED AT BIRTH!!! Please someone pick up the show. I love this show and so does my sister who is death/hearing impaired. After 5 seasons REALLY!!! So sad and angry
I guess they dont concider that cable is dying and most people use netflix and hulu while by the way hulu does not air switched at birth. So why don’t they try getting the seasons on one or both providers then maybe they would very better ratings. I love this show very disappointed that its ending just like so many i have gotten hooked on with this network they need to update themselves. Get with technology what are they going to do when cable dies completely?
Bring Emmett and Bae back together!!! Travis is boring! i loved this show til you separated them and most people I know who watch this say the same. Please come back with another season and bring them back together. It’s almost as if your leaving this with no ending. And Daphne is so nosey and thinks she knows everything. Tone her down a bit and bring Bae more in the picture.
I love switched at birth especially season 5 but I want to k whats going to happen next what the family doing now the baby a little older them graduating college and end off with them on there paths to happiness oh yea and if bay and emmmeit will ever get back together I want to see more season as well
too much agenda plots, racism got to be talked about at nauseum and got tired of the self righteous attitude of most of the characters, it was good until they went off the rails with the political correct nonsense
I would love to see season 6 or more seasons come out . This is a awesome show. I can’t stop watching it. And I would love to see Emmett and Bay back together.
Yes I rekon it should be continued for a little while at least….we never saw what happened with bae and Daphne’s career and if they made it ….whether Regina found love….how Travis got on in Japan with his baseball ….amd if the Kennish parents lost all their money ….whether Emmett found himself …or seen Toby raising Carlton and him growing up ….i do think it left on unfinished ground tbh and season 5 was cut too short
Well said
Please keep the show going.. it really touches reality and it’s a great show
Indeed
They should drag the show on for another season or two. I’m in total love with it. I SERIOUSLY hope they reconsider season 6, the ratings will continue high.
They left too much open for the show to end… there needs to be a season 6 or a new show ….very unhappy to hear this news… I watch it on Netflix because I don’t have time while the season is on the air.
Same. Totally binge-watched all 5 seasons. I loved it. Season 3 was my favorite.
Would like to see them due a season 6 I really enjoyed watching the series.
I’m so frustrated and upset I love this show, I really want my show back
I love this show and would hate to see it end there is still so much that could happen it should go on to season 6 and more❤