(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?
Can anyone answer my question willl Ty and bay be together on season 6
No, I think that bay and Emmett will be together on season 6.
So I watched season 5 today on Netflix they need a season 6 because what will happen when Regina goes to east riverside and what will happen to bay and Travis, we need a season 6. And this show made me start learning ASL. I will cry sad ties if there is not a season 6 in a year on Netflix. I love this show much and I want more.
Make season 6!!!!
It needs a season six without doubt
Yes hould have ended with closer in season 5
It really sucks switched at birth has ended. I have really loved this show. I really feel like I cam relate to Daphne and bay in some of the stuff they have gone thro. I wish there was more of the season
I am totally with you there I love that show. It was my all the time favorite show on Tuesdays nights after the fosters on freeform now. I think they should bring it back
I have loved ” Switched At Birth ” since its inception. It changed the way people percieve as well as react to people with disabilities. It dealt with real life, everyday issues so well that it didn’t even seem like acting. This show has bee huge in drawing positive attention to how people with disabilities can and do have normal lives like everyone else, with all of the highs, lows and unknowns. I understand that nothing lasts forever, and shows come and go all of the time, but to cancel such a powerful and meaningful show so soon, simply broke… Read more »
Omg i love this show!! I think they should most definitely keep the show going. I am sad to see the show ending
I love this show, hope they make season 6 and more.
Absolutely loved this show and so wish they would come back for a season 6. I miss it so much. Clever show…brilliant actors with great chemistry and interesting storylines.
I absolutely love this show. I really hope their is a season 6 going to be made. I’m not ready for it to be over
I would love to have a season 6! My husband and I love this
I think they should have a season 6 for switched at birth there’s so many questions left like for 1 whens ty coming back n does bay still love him there’s so many more questions
I was really hoping for a reunion or something for the show because it breaks the silence between death people and hearing and you learn how they feel when then are out in the real world and stuff. And see how they are treated by people
I love this show! I’ve never gotten so excited about any show before, and I would love if there was a season 6
There should be a season 6 I love that show