The Final Hours Podcast Launches in 2026 to Reopen Cold Missing Person Cases

PAVE Studios has officially launched The Final Hours, a Crime House original weekly podcast hosted by Sarah Turney and Kourtney Nichole.

The show, which debuted on February 23, 2026, promises to dig deeper into the overlooked final interactions, unanswered clues, and silent gaps in missing persons investigations — stories that many families believe were never fully explored.

With new episodes dropping every Monday across all major podcast platforms, The Final Hours is positioning itself as more than just another true crime show. It’s a platform for re-examination, renewed attention, and, perhaps, long-awaited answers.

Podcast cover of Sarah Turney and Kourtney Nichole launching The Final Hours true crime podcast under PAVE Studios focusing on missing persons cases

Table of Contents

A New Chapter in Investigative Podcasting

The true crime genre has evolved significantly over the past decade. What began as narrative storytelling has now shifted toward accountability journalism and advocacy-driven reporting.

The Final Hours enters this landscape with a clear objective:

Unlike sensationalized crime coverage, the podcast centers on the critical window of time — the last conversations, sightings, digital footprints, and movements — that often hold the key to solving a disappearance.


Why “The Final Hours” Matter in Missing Person Cases

Experts frequently emphasize that the hours leading up to a disappearance can determine the direction of an entire investigation. Yet in many cases, those early details are:

The podcast’s concept focuses squarely on these moments.

By retracing timelines and re-analyzing overlooked elements, the hosts aim to shine new light on cases that have stalled.


Hosts With Personal Stakes in the True Crime World

Sarah Turney: Advocacy Rooted in Experience

Sarah Turney has become a prominent voice in the true crime and missing persons community. Her years-long fight to bring attention to her sister’s disappearance has shaped her understanding of how easily cases can fade from public consciousness.

In a statement marking the show’s launch, she explained that her personal journey drives her approach to investigative storytelling.

She emphasized that countless families remain in limbo — waiting for renewed attention, investigative breakthroughs, or simply acknowledgment.

Her involvement signals that The Final Hours will blend journalism with advocacy, a model increasingly resonating with listeners who demand ethical storytelling.

Kourtney Nichole: A Measured and Intentional Approach

Joining Turney is Kourtney Nichole, who has also spoken publicly about personal experiences with crime.

Nichole has stressed the importance of:

Her perspective aligns with a broader shift in the genre — moving away from shock value and toward responsible reporting.


Inside the Concept: What Listeners Can Expect

Each weekly episode will reconstruct the final confirmed timeline before a disappearance. That includes:

1. Last Conversations

2. Final Sightings

3. Overlooked Clues

4. Unanswered Questions

By narrowing in on these final hours, the hosts aim to identify patterns that may have been missed during initial investigations.


The Role of Crime House and PAVE Studios

The podcast is produced under Crime House, an original content brand associated with PAVE Studios.

Founder Max Cutler highlighted that trust remains a cornerstone of true crime storytelling. According to Cutler, bringing Turney and Nichole together creates a collaborative space built on credibility and shared purpose.

In an industry where audiences are increasingly skeptical of exploitative narratives, establishing trust is not optional — it’s essential.


The True Crime Podcast Boom Continues in 2026

The launch of The Final Hours comes at a time when:

According to industry analysts, true crime remains one of the most consumed podcast genres globally. However, the tone of successful shows is shifting.

Today’s audiences expect:

The Final Hours appears to be tailored precisely to this new standard.


A Platform for Cases That “Waited Too Long”

A recurring theme in the show’s launch messaging is the idea of time — specifically, cases that have lingered without resolution.

Many missing persons cases experience:

By revisiting these cases, the podcast hopes to generate renewed awareness and potentially spark tips or leads.

History has shown that media attention can directly influence investigations. Renewed public discussion has, in some instances, led to:


Ethical Reporting in True Crime: A Delicate Balance

The genre has faced criticism over the years for:

Turney and Nichole’s approach suggests a deliberate effort to counter those critiques.

Their stated goals emphasize:

This approach may appeal to listeners who want to engage with crime content without contributing to voyeurism.


The Impact on Families of the Missing

For families, renewed attention can be a double-edged sword.

On one hand:

On the other:

The hosts have indicated that collaboration with families and sensitivity in storytelling will be central to the production process.


Monday Release Schedule: Building Consistent Engagement

New episodes of The Final Hours will drop every Monday across all major podcast platforms.

This weekly cadence allows for:

Monday releases are strategically popular in podcasting, capturing listeners at the start of their week.


What Sets The Final Hours Apart?

While dozens of true crime podcasts exist, this series distinguishes itself through:

Rather than covering entire case histories, the show narrows its lens — a focused methodology that may reveal overlooked patterns.


The Broader Conversation Around Missing Persons

Globally, thousands of individuals are reported missing each year. While many cases are resolved quickly, others remain unsolved for decades.

Common challenges include:

Podcasts like The Final Hours contribute to an ecosystem where digital media can supplement traditional investigative pathways.


Could Renewed Attention Lead to Breakthroughs?

Historically, public attention has:

While no podcast can guarantee resolution, sustained spotlighting can shift momentum.


Listener Reaction and Early Buzz

Within hours of its launch announcement, the show began generating discussion across social platforms and podcast communities.

Listeners expressed anticipation for:

Given the established audiences of both hosts, the podcast is expected to gain traction quickly.


The Future of Advocacy-Driven Podcasting

The Final Hours may signal a broader transformation within true crime media — where creators become advocates and storytellers become investigators.

If successful, this format could inspire:


Final Thoughts: A Second Look at Lost Time

In missing persons investigations, time is everything. The first hours matter. The overlooked details matter. The dismissed inconsistencies matter.

With The Final Hours, Sarah Turney and Kourtney Nichole are betting that revisiting those critical windows can change narratives — and perhaps, outcomes.

For families still waiting, even renewed attention can be meaningful.

And for listeners, the podcast offers something deeper than mystery — it offers reflection, responsibility, and the possibility of rediscovery.

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