The Final Cut Podcast

Do you know what’s frightening about horror films in the U.S. and Canada? Horror films consistently account for approximately $1 billion in annual domestic ticket sales, or around ten percent of the US and Canadian box office, making them a dependable and growing revenue source for Hollywood.

It, based on the Stephen King novel, is the largest moneymaker in horror film history, having raked in over $740 million since its release in 2017. These movies also attract a younger audience, who are more likely to buy from the ultra-expensive concession stand.

The genre’s success is driven by lower production costs and strong returns, leading to high profitability and reliable box office performance compared to other genres.

Now, horror fans are about to get the ultimate rewatch companion with the launch of The Final Cut, a brand-new podcast launching with Mercury Podcast Network. Each season will dissect one legendary horror franchise in forensic detail, unpacking every film, character, and blood-soaked moment that made it iconic.

Season 1 begins with Saw, the terrifying saga of Jigsaw, his traps, and the twisted morality that redefined horror cinema in the 2000s. Hosts Grace Cordell (REDRUM True Crime) and Stuart Blues (British Murders) will guide listeners through the franchise with a mix of behind-the-scenes trivia, storytelling, and analysis that blends true crime precision with horror fandom.

Grace Cordell is the creator of REDRUM True Crime, which has garnered over six million downloads. A trained storyteller for both stage and film, Grace has been obsessed with horror since the age of eight. With The Final Cut, she channels that lifelong passion into an unflinching look at the fear, gore, and genius of the genre.

Speaking on the new podcast, Grace says: “The Final Cut is my love letter to horror — Saw felt like the perfect place to start, because it’s clever, brutal, and it completely changed the genre.”

Stuart Blues is the host of British Murders, a long-running true-crime podcast dedicated to listener-suggested UK murder cases. Away from true crime, Stuart’s love of eighties slashers and horror cinema makes him the perfect co-host to delve into the darkness of Saw and beyond.

Co-host Stuart adds: “True crime might be my main focus, but horror has always been my first love, so joining The Final Cut to talk all things Saw felt like the perfect crossover.”

Future seasons will take on other horror greats, offering the same blend of insider research, personal passion, and thoughtful commentary that makes The Final Cut more than just a rewatch show; it’s a love letter to horror.

Liam Heffernan, Founder & CEO of Mercury, says: “As a horror fan myself, I was so excited when Grace first told me about The Final Cut. She and Stuart bring their trademark styles together under a shared love of horror films with a podcast that’s part rewatch show, part true crime, and gut-wrenchingly good. Mercury’s mission is to represent the best independent creators in the world, and with The Final Cut, Grace basically handed me a supergroup of true crime podcasters. It’s a no-brainer, and listeners are in for a real treat.”

For Mercury, the launch of The Final Cut isn’t just an addition of another high-quality podcast; it marks a step forward in the network’s vision to create an ecosystem where independent creators can thrive. Mercury is designed to fill the gap between hobbyist podcasters and corporate networks, championing independent voices that deserve to be heard. By supporting shows like The Final Cut, Mercury continues to build a slate of original and acquired podcasts that combine creative ambition with professional infrastructure.

Mercury was designed to serve this overlooked community. Its ambition is clear: to build an ecosystem for independent podcasters to create, collaborate, grow, and earn. Mercury is a small network with an independent spirit, tearing down gatekeepers and giving a platform to the best indie shows. Unlike larger networks burdened by high costs, Mercury is built to grow sustainably, providing the proper support without compromising independence.

Today, Mercury is home to a diverse slate of standout podcasts — from history and true crime to film, food, and storytelling.

Shows include America: A History, Spooky Story Time, Verbal Diorama, Second Helpings, Bingewatch, People Who Read People, Douze Points, 5 Random Questions, Dad’s Bedtime Stories, OffScreen, If You Were in Charge, Sexonomic, You’ve Got Mail, and PastMaster.

The Final Cut launches Friday, 3rd October 2025, with new episodes released weekly. Season one will feature a comprehensive deep dive into the Saw franchise.

Check out The Final Cut. In today’s U.S., you can always escape the daily societal horror by retreating into the horror of movies. After all, Jigsaw, the villain and murderer in Saw, is far less scary than some of the people now running this country.