(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 honestly loved this show so much I got addicted and after season one it just got better every season. I’m very sad there isn’t going to be another season as soon as I just finished the last episode of season five I googled to check when the next season would be starting and I found this website and thought I would comment on how great this show is and I really wish it wouldn’t end! It makes u laugh and cry and angry and happy and it really makes you think. Couldn’t of done better.
Just finished season 5 up on Netflix, typing this as I have slight tears in my eyes. Beautiful ending. As much as I wish it wasn’t being canceled, I understand that it’s probably difficult to continue a plot with so many characters of importance and make them all somehow link back together. I especially loved that Regina went back to Eric. Don’t get me wrong, I loved Luca, but in the long run I felt that Eric and Regina were such a comfortable fit. A small part of me wishes that Emmett and Bay ended up together, but I am… Read more »
I have always been told if you start something you finish it all the way through and I believe that the same thing is said about switched at birth they should make more seasons I get it might not have as many views as they want but them shutting it down will not get them a chance to get enough views all in all I hate to see it go I love switched at birth I wished they could make more seasons maybe even a switched at birth two to see all of them grown up and their kids and… Read more »
I’m in my 40’s and I love switched at birth and think that it should have more seasons… sucks that they cancelled… I hate that I get into a show and puff it gets cancelled….
My husband and I are in our 20’s and we love switched at birth… we were really disappointed when we found out that it was gonna be cancelled… I think more people are watching than they think, people are just watching it on the internet instead of tv/Netflix. The show even inspired us to start learning asl sign language and even teach our toddler. I feel like it could have a good come back with the right media. Season 5 is already better than season 4 was, they just had an off season but they can come out of it!
I loved Switched at Birth. I fully plan on taking ASL classes to build on what I picked up from watching the show. I definitely think the 5th season ended too abruptly with too many questions left unanswered. I’m very sad to learn there won’t be a season 6. I will miss this show more than I miss Gossip Girl.
Switched at Birth is an Amazing show, I was hooked after the 1st season and totally binge watched the rest of the seasons on Netflix. I actually just looked to see how long I’d have to wait for the new season to start. And was sad to find season 6 was canceled. Now i feel stuck not knowing what else happens. There should be more. Please bring the show back.
Switched at Birth is an amazing TV show and I absolutely love it and I think there needs to be a season 6. I also think Emmett and Bay should end up together they are perfect for each other. They’ve had the roller coaster up and downs in their relationship but that’s what makes a real human relationship! No one is perfect and I think that they should end up getting married in an in the next season you guys decide to do! I don’t think Travis and Bay were meant to be together cuz they just weren’t meant to… Read more »
Love switch at birth, it ended with unanswered questions l love how Bay, became mature over each season. And when Kathryn found those results, I thought they was in plying that John knew for years that they was switch. I think they should make a season 6, Regina gained a son, and would have love to see Eric be release from prison to propose to her. Toby and his family is unfinished, instead of the girl from High School, they should have brought back his first wife to stir things up. They should have Daphine graduate and landed a career… Read more »
You should renew the show, you left it in a cliff hanger and now I am mad that it’s ending you started so you finish…
I think they should make another season to me it’s the best tv series ever. I will die if it’s cancelled.
Karianne
I want more!!! It can’t stop there!! Please bring some more!!!
This show seriously gave me a new found appreciation for Deaf people and the questions that revolve around it. This show touched on topics that I think a lot of kids deal with on a day to day basis. I seriously binge watched all 5 seasons because I literally never heard of the show until a friend told me about it. I almost felt like the cast was my own family hearing their stories from start to finish. I would hate for it to be over especially how it ended. I hope that Freeform gives the writer another chance to… Read more »
I’m totally with you. I related to the show so much! Season 4 and 5 actually helped me make decisions about college and moving to a different state. I could literally watch the show until Daphne & Bay are married with kids.
I totally agree……. the show was absolutely fantastic and if there were 100 seasons I would watch them all…… This show was a big learning ideas for teens and adults….. Not enough episodes to cancel please I hope it returns to see if bay and Daphne find there true love and if Daphne becomes a doctor…..
I THink need a better ending like what happens with The whole family I want move!
I say yes for season six… If this show is cancelled I will cry.. Switched at. Birth is my favorite show and needs too continue on..
Finally a show that allow you the opportunity to escape from the reality of life even if it’s just for a little while! I am crossing my fingers for season 6 it would ve totally worth the wait!