Switched at Birth (TV Series - 2011)

About Switched at Birth

Switched at Birth is an American television series that premiered on the ABC Family network on June 6, 2011. The one-hour scripted drama revolves around two teenagers who were accidentally switched as newborns in the hospital. Despite overwhelming socio-economic and ethnic differences, both families must learn to co-exist as parents and blend their lives for the sake of their daughters.

Making / Production

The show is based in the Kansas City metropolitan area, and was created by Lizzy Weiss. It was produced by ABC Studios, with Sean Reycraft as the supervising producer. The show has been praised for its inclusion of American Sign Language and for its portrayal of Deaf culture.

Actors

• Katie Leclerc as Daphne Vasquez: A talented chef with a strong sense of self, Leclerc convincingly portrays a Deaf teen navigating her complex family dynamics.
• Vanessa Marano as Bay Kennish: Some of Marano's best work comes through in her portrayal of an artistic teenager who struggles with her identity after discovering the truth about her birth.
• Constance Marie as Regina Vasquez: As a fiercely protective mother, Marie deftly embodies someone struggling to balance her loyalty to her biological daughter and her love for the daughter she raised.

Trivia / Interesting Facts

• The show includes several Deaf actors and many scenes are shot entirely in American Sign Language.
• The role of Daphne was specifically written for a Deaf actress.
• Six seasons of the show were produced, totaling 103 episodes.

Awards

Switched at Birth was awarded a Peabody Award in 2013 for its role in “expanding and deepening the understanding of the human condition” through its exploration of the experiences of the Deaf community.

Quotes

• "Sometimes, the world isn’t your friend, and you have to decide if you’re gonna feel sorry for yourself about it or make it a better place." - Daphne Vasquez
• "I used to think if you fell from grace it was more likely than not the result of one stupendous error, or else an unfortunate accident. I hadn't learned that it can happen so gradually you don't lose hope until it's too late to save yourself." - Bay Kennish

Music, Soundtrack

• "This Is the Longing" by Better than Ezra, used in several episodes.
• "Sound of a Broken Heart" by Westward the Tide, featured in the emotional climax of the series.