Recasting a popular TV drama is always a risk, especially when a loyal dog character loses his master.
So when fans of Canadian cop dramas and dogs get angry Hudson and Rex John Reardon as Detective Charlie Hudson for seven seasons was replaced by British actor Luke Roberts as Detective Mark Hudson in Season 8, and independent producer Shaftesbury found himself in the line of fire.
The Canadian procedural on Thursday received a season 9 order from local network Citytv, with news that Reardon, having completed cancer treatment and doing well, is back on the case as Detective Hudson and alongside his trusted canine partner Rex.
“John is a talented actor and we are thrilled to have him back as Detective Charlie Hudson,” Shaftesbury Chairman and CEO Christina Jennings said in a statement about Reardon’s return to the local drama set in St. John’s, Newfoundland. “We know the fans missed him and so do we. We look forward to getting back to work and delivering an exciting new season for the fans.”
Replay follows Hudson and Rex Fans are filling the show’s social media accounts with criticism and launching petitions demanding that Reardon be reunited with Rex on screen after news was announced that he would not appear in Season 8.
“The series has gained an enthusiastic audience around the world, and I am grateful for the continued support. I look forward to beginning production on the new season with the cast, crew, creative and production team, and network partners — and to sharing more adventures with Rex and the fans,” Reardon said in his statement.
Produced by Shaftesbury and Pope Productions Ltd., in association with Citytv and international distributor Beta Film. Hudson and Rex It has been sold to more than 100 regions including the United States, Italy, Germany and France.
In an Instagram post dated September 2025, Reardon revealed his recast Hudson and Rex It wasn’t his choice. “I was quiet for a while — partly because it was hard to find the words, and partly because I didn’t want anyone else to speak for me. The truth is: I didn’t leave Hudson & Rex. After spending a few months receiving cancer treatment, I got a clean bill of health and was cleared and ready to get back to work. But the team chose to go in a different direction. Even though this wasn’t what I had hoped the seven-year journey would end with — I appreciate it so much of the opportunity to play a part in building something,” the iconic Canadian actor wrote. “Distinctive.”
Now Reardon is back on the roster for another 12-episode season Hudson and Rexand reunited with his loyal canine partner Rex, as shown in another Instagram post on Thursday.
