‘Switched at Birth’ to end after fifth season

Hit TV show Switched at Birth had a steady run on ABC Family (now known as Freeform). After almost five years on the air, creator Lizzy Weiss recently announced that the series’ fifth season would be its last.

“This season of #SwitchedatBirth will be our final one. We are ending the show after an amazing 103 episodes with pride, love, and gratitude,” Weiss wrote via Twitter.

The scripted drama focuses on two teens who were switched at the time of birth, then proceeded to grow up in prominently different environments. It also explores the struggles of individuals with hearing-impairment disabilities, a subject that has earned the show critical acclaim throughout its run.

President Tom Ascheim has been gradually restructuring the network over the years, also believing that the show no longer fits in with its audience consisting of “Becomers.” This includes niche groups that explore first love and other “first” life-altering experiences. As part of the channel’s new brand, it is now focusing on a slightly older demographic – mainly those who have recently graduated from college – and less about family.

The show’s cancellation comes only one week after the network canceled new comedy Kevin from Work. Some prominent series still airing include Baby Daddy, Pretty Little Liars, Nicki, and Dead of Summer, though it is unclear whether additional cancellations are taking place.

Originally premiering in June 2011, Switched at Birth was the network’s highest-rated series debut at the time, starring Vanessa Marano and Katie Leclerc. The final season is set to debut this summer with a ten-episode run which includes a 90-minute series finale.