(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?
Love the show. Am watching it on catch up 7th the UK and love it
We need a 6 season
I soooooo agree with you there that were need a season 6
Great show, love it!!! Pleasekeep it going!!!
I have never gotten so involved emotionally in a TV show before watching Switched at Birth. The story behind everything is something that is just amazing to watch. How it all unfolds. The lessons that are being taught and being learned. I need to find out what happens with everyone as they get older. What paths they chose. Which ones work and which ones don’t. I’ve cried a lot of happy tears from this show and I’m not ready to stop. PLEASE MAKE A SEASON 6!!!
I totally agree! I started watching this from the first one and on to the what I thought wasn’t the end. Fooled me. Bring back season 6 and on. I also want to watch as they go thru their new paths in life. I also enjoyed learning some of the signing. Please make the next few seasons as good as you have done the last ones or even better. What an awesome series. And yes, I did weep tears in most of them.
Please please please do more seasons. Everyone is talking about it. Still.
This is a great series that should not end. It’s like all the good ones that teach what needs to be taught end. Makes me sad
Noooo!!!! Please I loved this show!!!! Switch At Birth is an Inspiring Show and it has a positive influence in society. It has made me want to take courses to know more about the deaf community and their amazing communication skills. Besides, it seems like the show has more to offer, it can’t be over, we need to continue seeing the actors go on with their lives…For an example Carlton growing up etc. Please this is a great opportunity to show viewers that their opinions count. Make another great season (6), we will love it and appreciate it!!!! You are… Read more »
I totally sgree this show is insoiribg and life changing please do another season AND I LOVE BAY AND DAPHENE PLEASE DO ANOTHER SEASON
I really hope season 6 comes out
NO!!!! Season 5 can’t be it!? You have to make another season. I love this show, we have to find out more. Please don’t cancel it!! 🙁
This show is my favorite it show of all time you have to give it a season 6,7,8,9,10 with out this show i would never want to learn sign language i wouldn’t even known what it was so please renew it i love it so much
There NEEDS to be a sixth season. I have so many questions about what happens in Japan or who Bay ends up with. What happens with Mingo and Daphne. I would love to watch more!
Yes they need to put out 6. I need to know what happens
Please please don’t cancel it. I loved it so much and in the last season it got so interesting. I need to know what happened, what is so Important that they have to go back to Kansas all the way from China? What is the baby like now? What happened with Sheri? Is the baby okay? Is someone dead? Are Travis and Bay doing a long distance relationship? Are things gonna work out with Daphne and Mingo? What happened to Will/Keon? Did Eric/Marcus get arrested? There is so much more we want to see and to know. I’m guessing no… Read more »
NOOOOO… I absolutely LOVE this show. Please bring it back! I thought season 5 was as amazing as all the others
I hope they come back with a sixth season. I just started watching this show. It took me two weeks but i watched all five seasons and loved them all. Please please please make a sixth season!!!!
I really love the show!!❤️ There should definitely be a season 6 considering the fact that we need to know what happens with regina and will and what happens when eric gets out of jail or what happens in japan with travis emmett and bay or what about when Carlton grows up and what happens with Daphne and does she become a doctor ? This could al be answered with a season 6 of Switched at birth.
I agree.