What To Know
- John Reardon has returned to the set of Hudson & Rex after completing cancer treatment.
- Fan backlash and a petition followed his initial replacement, emphasizing Reardon’s importance to the show and urging his return.
- Reardon will resume his lead role alongside the existing cast, with the new season set to premiere on Citytv in fall 2026.
John Reardon is officially back on set for Hudson & Rex.
On July 15, the show’s Instagram teased that new episodes of the Canadian procedural are currently in production and posted a behind-the-scenes photo of Reardon and the German Shepherd who plays his partner Rex.
“Look who is back in Newfoundland,” the caption read. “An all-new season of Hudson & Rex is coming this Fall on Citytv or stream it on Citytv+!
Reardon was notably missing in Season 8 after stepping away from the role to receive treatment for tonsil cancer. However, Reardon posted a statement on Instagram one day after the season premiere, further explaining the circumstances surrounding his departure.
“After taking a couple months to go through cancer treatment, I was given a clean bill of health and cleared and ready to return to work. But the team chose to go in a different direction. Although this is not how I had hoped the 7 year journey would end – I’m very appreciative of the opportunity to play a part in building something special,” he wrote on Instagram. “I’m healthy. I’m working. And I’m proud of what comes next. I hope you’ll join me on the adventure.”
Reardon’s lead role was taken over by Luke Roberts as Detective Mark Hudson.
The social media backlash was swift. A Change.org petition started by fan Autumn Watt garnered 948 signatures from impassioned fans urging production company Shaftesbury and Pope Productions Ltd. to reconsider the decision.
“Some actors cannot be easily replaced. John is one of them,” one fan wrote on the petition page. “[Reardon] IS Hudson of Hudson and Rex. No one else can fill that part successfully,” another insisted.
Finally, on May 28, Citytv posted an Instagram video announcing Reardon’s return to the show featuring a reunion with Rex. Reardon will reprise his lead role, and Roberts will stay in the cast as an ensemble member alongside Mayko Nguyen, who plays Dr. Sarah Truong, Kevin Hanchard, who is Superintendent Joseph Donovan, and Justin Kelly, who plays Tech Analyst Jesse Mills.
Hudson & Rex, Season 9 Premiere, Fall 2026