The Final Cut Podcast: Grace Cordell & Stuart Blues Dive into the World of Saw | Mercury Network Launch
Horror fans, brace yourselves — the genre just got a haunting new home. Award-winning podcasters Grace Cordell and Stuart Blues have joined forces to create The Final Cut, a brand-new horror podcast under the Mercury Podcast Network banner.
Described as “the ultimate rewatch companion for horror lovers”, each season of The Final Cut dives deep into one iconic horror franchise — beginning with the Saw universe, the game-changing saga that terrified audiences and reshaped modern horror in the early 2000s.
This isn’t your average movie breakdown show. It’s a meticulously crafted blend of storytelling, forensic analysis, and behind-the-scenes revelations, all wrapped in the eerie atmosphere that true horror fans crave.
The Concept: Dissecting Horror’s Darkest Masterpieces
Every episode of The Final Cut takes listeners into the blood-spattered world of horror cinema, offering a deep exploration of the films that have haunted — and fascinated — audiences for decades.
What Listeners Can Expect
Scene-by-scene rewatch format that explores each film’s themes, symbolism, and shocking twists.
True crime crossover — Grace and Stuart connect fictional terror with real-world psychology and cases.
Insider trivia revealing the creative process behind iconic horror moments.
Fan discussions and interviews with filmmakers, special effects artists, and cultural critics.
This unique structure bridges the gap between movie analysis, true crime investigation, and storytelling journalism, offering an experience that feels cinematic in audio form.
Season One: Inside the World of Saw — Where Morality Meets Madness
There’s no better way to kick off a horror rewatch series than with Saw, one of the most talked-about franchises in film history.
When Saw first premiered in 2004, it wasn’t just another horror flick — it became a cultural phenomenon. With its low-budget roots, psychological tension, and moral puzzles, Saw redefined what horror could achieve.
Why Saw?
Host Grace Cordell explains:
“The Final Cut is my love letter to horror – and Saw felt like the perfect place to start. It’s clever, brutal, and it completely changed the genre.”
A Deeper Look at the Franchise
The season will explore:
Jigsaw’s twisted philosophy — justice, morality, and punishment.
Evolution of the traps — from simple shock value to metaphorical storytelling.
The legacy of horror craftsmanship — how Saw spawned a decade of imitators.
The psychology of survival — what these movies say about human instinct and guilt.
Each episode reconstructs the franchise with forensic precision, offering insight into both the artistry and the ethics of fear.
Meet the Hosts: Grace Cordell & Stuart Blues
Two of the UK’s most respected true crime voices are venturing into horror territory — and they’re bringing their signature storytelling style with them.
🎙️ Grace Cordell
Creator of the acclaimed REDRUM podcast, which has surpassed six million downloads worldwide.
Known for her cinematic sound design and empathetic storytelling.
A lifelong horror aficionado who grew up on cult classics and psychological thrillers.
Grace’s passion for horror is deeply personal. She says:
“Horror has always fascinated me because it reveals the rawest parts of human emotion — fear, guilt, survival. The Final Cut lets me celebrate that, while exploring how these stories shape our culture.”
🔪 Stuart Blues
Host of the hit true crime series British Murders, renowned for its detailed investigations and historical depth.
Has cultivated a loyal audience who appreciate his mix of storytelling and research.
For Stuart, joining The Final Cut feels like coming home:
“True crime might be my main focus, but horror has always been my first love. The crossover between them is irresistible.”
Together, their chemistry brings The Final Cut to life — blending emotion, intellect, and that unmistakable British dry wit that keeps the tone engaging, even when the subject matter turns dark.
Mercury Podcast Network’s Bold Move into Horror
Behind the scenes, Liam Heffernan, Founder & CEO of Mercury Podcast Network, believes The Final Cut represents a new chapter for the platform — and for independent podcasting as a whole.
Heffernan says:
“As a horror fan myself, I was thrilled when Grace pitched The Final Cut. She and Stuart have created something that’s part rewatch show, part true crime, and completely unmissable. It’s like a supergroup of the UK’s best podcasters.”
Mercury’s mission is clear: to elevate independent creators and connect niche audiences through exceptional production quality. The Final Cut fits that ethos perfectly — it’s crafted for horror devotees but accessible to anyone who loves great storytelling.
A Perfect Storm: True Crime Meets Horror
It’s no coincidence that two true crime podcasters are leading this horror revolution. Both genres thrive on human psychology, moral ambiguity, and emotional catharsis.
The Connection Between the Two Worlds:
Curiosity about evil: Whether real or fictional, we’re drawn to understanding darkness.
Empathy for victims: Both genres force us to confront fear and vulnerability.
Puzzle-like narratives: True crime and horror rely on mystery, tension, and revelation.
By combining these worlds, Cordell and Blues have created something entirely new — a hybrid podcast that satisfies both the analytical listener and the adrenaline junkie.
Behind the Mic: The Production of “The Final Cut”
Mercury Podcast Network has invested heavily in immersive audio design for this show. Expect cinematic soundscapes, original scores, and crisp narration that makes listeners feel like they’re inside the film itself.
Each episode reportedly takes over 40 hours of production time, from research to editing — an unusually high standard for independent podcasting.
Listeners can look forward to:
High-quality binaural sound effects
Authentic film audio clips (used under license)
Original music inspired by classic horror soundtracks
Expert guests from the worlds of psychology, film, and special effects
The Broader Context: Why Horror Is Thriving Again
The release of The Final Cut comes during what critics are calling a “Horror Renaissance.”
From Hereditary to Talk to Me, audiences are embracing horror that combines emotional depth with social commentary. Podcasts are the next natural step — a format where horror can unfold intimately, inside the listener’s imagination.
Why Horror Works So Well in Audio:
Imagination does the heavy lifting: Without visuals, fear feels more personal.
Sound design becomes the monster: A creaking door or faint whisper hits harder through headphones.
Narrative freedom: Podcasters can explore extended universes and subplots that films can’t.
The Final Cut capitalizes on this resurgence by giving fans a space to relive, reinterpret, and re-examine horror’s most influential works.
Future Seasons: What’s Next After Saw?
Grace and Stuart have already hinted that future seasons will tackle other legendary horror franchises, applying the same level of detailed scrutiny and affection.
Potential future subjects include:
Halloween — exploring Michael Myers and the birth of the slasher archetype.
The Conjuring Universe — blending supernatural myth with real-life inspiration.
A Nightmare on Elm Street — diving into dream logic, trauma, and the psyche of fear.
Scream — how meta-horror redefined the rules of the genre.
Fans can expect a new franchise each season, dissected with academic depth and fan-level enthusiasm.
Community & Engagement: Building a Horror Fan Family
To make the experience interactive, Mercury has launched dedicated channels for fans to discuss theories, share fan art, and vote on upcoming series.
Listener features include:
Weekly polls to choose which traps or scenes get analyzed.
Q&A episodes where Grace and Stuart answer fan questions.
Exclusive Patreon content, including uncut interviews and bonus behind-the-scenes recordings.
This interactive format transforms The Final Cut from a podcast into a community of horror enthusiasts bonded by curiosity and adrenaline.
Where and When to Listen
🗓 Launch Date: Friday, October 3, 2025 🎧 Platform: Available exclusively on BBC Sounds, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and all major podcast apps. 📅 Release Schedule: New episodes every Friday.
Note: Given its themes and graphic subject matter, The Final Cut is recommended for mature audiences only.
Critical Anticipation: Industry Buzz and Early Reviews
Even before launch, The Final Cut has generated significant buzz in both horror and podcasting circles. Industry insiders have called it “the most ambitious genre podcast of the year” and “a masterclass in immersive storytelling.”
Podcast critics predict it could rival shows like “You Must Remember This” and “Lore” in cultural impact.
Final Thoughts: A Love Letter to Horror
Ultimately, The Final Cut is more than a podcast — it’s a celebration of everything that makes horror enduring. By fusing film criticism, true crime sensibility, and cinematic audio, Grace Cordell and Stuart Blues are redefining what genre podcasting can be.
It’s an invitation to revisit the stories that scared us — and to ask why we keep coming back for more.
So, whether you’re a lifelong horror aficionado or just dipping your toes into the dark, The Final Cut promises a journey you won’t soon forget.
