‘Hudson & Rex’ Season 8 Sets U.S. Premiere Date With New Lead — Watch Trailer (VIDEO)
What To Know
- Hudson & Rex Season 8 has set its U.S. premiere.
- Luke Roberts replaces John Reardon as the new lead.
- This season features a guest appearance by Captain Sandy Yawn of Below Deck Mediterranean.
“It’s good to have a Rex.” This police and K9 procedural shows us just that.
Hudson & Rex returns to the U.S. with its eighth season, and TV Insider can exclusively reveal just when, as well as debut a sneak peek trailer (above). The 14-episode Hudson & Rex Season 8 will premiere on Thursday, June 11, with new episodes out weekly, on UP Faith & Family in the U.S.
But John Reardon isn’t back as Rex’s human partner, Detective Charlie Hudson. Rather, Luke Roberts joins as Detective Mark Hudson, a veteran of canine units in the Canadian forces and the Halifax PD.
The preview, which you can watch above, offers a look at them working together, as well as a guest spot from Below Deck Mediterranean‘s Captain Sandy Yawn. That episode will air on June 25, with her playing Captain Michelle Sirocco, a highly professional captain helming a somewhat smaller vessel while she waits for her next super yacht to be outfitted. But she must charter the thoroughly unlikeable Jake Kaufman, a ruthless businessman, along with his wife and a business partner. A deckhand is the prime suspect after Kaufman’s killed, but Rex will lead Mark to believe the motives and method of the killing are much more complicated.
Hudson & Rex is an action-packed, family-friendly procedural that follows the adventures of Rex, an extraordinary K9 German Shepherd, and the St. John’s Police Department’s Major Crimes Unit. In Season 8, the description teases, “Mark and Rex place complete trust in each other and in the extended team as they face intense new challenges. With Rex by their side, Superintendent Joe Donovan (Kevin Hanchard), Dr. Sarah Truong (Mayko Nguyen), and tech specialist Jesse Mills (Justin Kelly) work together to solve even the most puzzling crimes unfolding in St. John’s.”
Shaftesbury and Pope Productions produce the series in association with Citytv, a division of Rogers Sports & Media, and Beta Film GmbH. Executive producers are Christina Jennings, Scott Garvie, Lisa Porter, Peter Mohan, Sherri Davis, Mayko Nguyen, Oliver Bachert, and Friedemann Goez.
Reardon shared a statement on Instagram on September 23, 2025, regarding his exit from the show after treatment for tonsil cancer. “The truth is: I didn’t leave Hudson & Rex. 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.
Hudson & Rex, Season 8 U.S. Premiere, Thursday, June 11, UP Faith & Family
Conversation95 Comments
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W
They need to cancel the show. Not only did they behave in a dehumanizing way with John, but also turned against the fans (looking at you, Sherri) when they expressed their (rightful) opinions about the new direction of the show. It's truly insulting to the fans as well, as they simply brought a new character and slapped the last name of Hudson without rhyme or reason. They care so little about details that the writers did not even bother to fill in the plot holes or address Charlie's exit or the impact it should have had on the rest of the team (and mostly Rex and Sarah). No, they thought bringing in an action figure who trains shirtless would suffice. Producers, have the decency to end this and put what once was a good show, out of its misery.
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A
Well said. Thank you.
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M
I'll watch the reruns with Charlie, but not the new ones. While I enjoy the concept and the other cast members, what they did to John Reardon was awful. The show does not deserve any loyalty as far I'm concerned.
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J
Right
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G
I agree
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P
I will only watch rerun episodes of Charlie & Rex. Which i do daily. No interest in the new episodes. Shame on you for what you did to John Reardon. I guarantee this decision will change your ratings.
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G
This show is not worth watching after the production company (Shaftesbury) got rid of John Reardon after he recovered from cancer—despite him being all cleared to work and ready to come back.
They ruined the whole essence of what made Hudson & Rex, this "new direction" doesn't cut it, not to mention they tried to erase Charlie from the shows history, by pretending that he never existed, effetely saying that what we watched on screen for six seasons didn't matter. It's the poorest form of storytelling and the actions by Shaftesbury off screen has been nothing but despicable and no one should support that kind of behavior.
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W
RE: "they tried to erase Charlie from the shows history, by pretending that he never existed, effetely saying that what we watched on screen for six seasons didn't matter." - VERY well said! I agree with you 100%.
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W
Hudson and Rex without John Reardon? I'll pass. What do they think, that humans are interchangeable? And after John Reardon had cancer and got through it? Very bad move.
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J
Yup
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J
Kate
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F
The show was my favorite but I will no longer watch it without John Reardon.
I’ll just watch re-runs over and over but I’ll no longer watch the new shows. Too bad, it was a great show.
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W
I don't understand how anyone would want to support a show that would treat a cancer survivor so heartlessly. I used to love this show and I'll still watch the reruns (with John Reardon as Hudson) but even the reruns are bittersweet now in the light of what the production has done. John Reardon is the only Hudson. Season 8 is a slap in the face to the fans and to cancer survivors everywhere. Awful.
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M
I totally agree! I love John Reardon and God's Blessings for surviving cancer. 🙏 I will not be watching the new episodes with another character. Bring John back! John's Hallmark movie, Love on the Sidelines, is one of my favorites. ❤️
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C
Yes i agree I will never watch the new seasons unless THEY BRING JOHN REARDON BACK but I will continue to watch the reruns the people that fired John Reardon should be ashamed of themselves and they should be fired
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M
This is awful. I love this show with John! I don't think this is fair at all and will not watch the new episodes. I don't want to see the other actors pay for this mistake, but I hope the show gets canceled.
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U
The fired John Reardon after he recovered from cancer. Don’t watch this show.
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G
Well after Shaftsbury shafted John, out of spite or greed who knows,the twice edited "statement" from them, and the rude retorts from Sherri Davis when fans objected to the changes, after finding out, we have screenshots btw, who on earth with a functioning conscience would watch a show that had its heart ( Charlie Hudson) ripped out ? Also that Belize plotline was so dumb, you could find more holes in it than swiss cheese.
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G
What they did to Reardon was absolutely horrible. Do they have no heart?? I will not watch the show anymore and I cancelled my subscription to UP tv as well.
Although I must admit when we got our new pup last year, we did name him REX!! That was before all this came down
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W
That's a good idea - most people should cancel their subscriptions in protest and tell them why.
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C
Why would the people's opinion matter 😕 changed the dynamics and storyline so drastically that people would rather watch something else. The chemistry the original cast had worked. Another show down the tubes. Very disappointing
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L
It would seem that the word Loyalty and it's significance are unknown to this production company. Total betrayal towards a well loved and respected actor who went through a very difficult time and is now perfectly fine to rejoin the show.
As for the cast, I would have thought that they would have quit the series in a heartbeat to show their support to a colleague with whom they spent years building a great show and creating strong bonds. They should remember that they could be next, being treated so heartlessly. I will not watch the show anymore. I will miss Charlie and Rex
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A
Good points. I agree with you.
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A
Well, reading all these comments, one thing is clear: Charlie Hudson is the only Hudson and audiences will accept NO substitutes! What the production did was cruel and heartless. They clearly don't respect their star or their audience so why should we support them?
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G
Pass. Bring back John Reardon.
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G
That would be the only way to try and salvage whatever is left of the show...
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M
I completely agree with everyone’s comments! I found this series quite by accident, and have enjoyed every episode with John Reardon. What a terrible way to treat him, after recovering from cancer! I thought Canadians were better than that! Sadly, I WILL NOT be watching these new episodes. So sad.
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C
Ewww no. Just no. Shaftesbury did John Reardon dirty and as for the dog woman...
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T
They need to bring John Reardon back as Charlie Hudson! What they did to John was inhumane. They need to realize that just because you had an illness that had caused him to be out on season of filming then has clean bill of health doesn’t mean he should be completely gone from the series! That is very cruel for what John Reardon had done to the show! That is is a stab in the HEART!
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C
I recently discovered Hudson & Rex on Ovation and UpTv. Shame on you, Shaftsebury, for the way you treated John Reardon. In my opinion he was the reason for the shows success. I am almost finished watching Season 7 but most definitely will not be watching Season 8 or any other forthcoming seasons. Unless the production company comes to their senses and gives John Reardon the opportunity to return to the show. Wishful thinking on my part.
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D
Forget it. I hope it totally flops and costs them lots of money. What they did to John is despicable
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J
Me and my dog always tuned in to Hudson and Rex. I am not going to support the 8 th season because John Reardon is not going to be in it. We will just watch the reruns. Very unfair not to bring him back once the doctors cleared him!!!
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J
Not watching without John! I guess things are done differently in Canada, but they mistreated him terribly! Hudson is gone!
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B
I'm not gonna watch it because I like John Reardon. I don't like this other guy. John made the show.
Hopefully, nobody else on that show gets cancer cause you'll get kicked off.
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B
This is ruff (pun intended) as Shaftesbury has made a truly awful decision. I really can’t see any logic for it. Why would they take a show with a near perfect formula and get rid of their lead character? Especially under the circumstances.
It was sad enough about Diesel passing away, but his canine cousins have filled in very well. I noticed the first few episodes with Dillon and Dante they didn’t do so many close-ups, hoping that viewers wouldn’t notice.
But with John Reardon, not so much. I don’t get how the detective can be another Hudson. At the very least, don’t freakin insult viewers’ intelligence by naming him Mark Hudson. Address what happened to Charlie. Seriously. Give his storyline some closure!
I’ve been able to watch season 8. I have two main observations: the cohesive connection just isn’t there and they do not really address Charlie’s absence. What about Sarah’s grief and her processing the loss? Didn’t she and Charlie just move in together?
If Charlie has passed away, then have the closure. Give his S/L a proper ending. Or, (very preferably) bring him back - and do it creatively. In a weird way I actually feel bad for Luke Roberts, as he is a good actor. I’ve seen him in ‘Ransom.’ But unless and until they rectify what happened to Charlie, the show will be unwatchable.
As a cancer survivor myself, it’s slap in the face to those who have bravely fought cancer. It’s also a shame to ruin such a great show.
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K
Hudson and Rex without Hudson. I will pass. Love the cast but the treatment of John Reardon is horrifying.
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A
I'm Canadian and we already saw that season. Don't waste your time, it sucks. Charlie treated Rex like a true partner. This new guy treats him like a dog. The whole dynamic is completely different without John Reardon. Either bring John Reardon back or just cancel the series! All I know is that I'm done with it.
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M
I think we should all turn off the show until they bring John back. What a stab in the back. He had cancer so they take him off? They could have given him time to heal. He and Rex are what made the show. I will not be watching anymore. A petition should be done to bring John back. How they treated their star is beyond horrible.
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U
There are petitions out there but what they really listen to is ratings. Just that. Turn off the program and you’ll see. If everyone does that, they get the message.
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M
Cancel the series! The show is not the same without John. They changed so much of what made this show work and turned it into a mockery of what it once was. John and Diesel were the heart and soul of this series and with both gone the show is not worth watching anymore.
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N
It's not fair what they done to John we all miss John is a very good actor and I love watching Hudson and rex John will be missed so much I won't be watching the new Hudson and rex John went did have cancer but he pulled through cancer and I wish him all for this with these new job I will not be watching on that the new one I'd prefer John reardon to be in Hudson and rex not this new guy
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R
Hudson &Rex without John Reardon is a disaster and failure. I will not watch it!!
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M
I will not watch the new shows without Charlie! It's simple, the show will not be the same without him.
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W
No
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O
I will watch the reruns not the new. Bring John back. Your ratings will go up.
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R
Well considering Charlie is not returning then I am afraid like alot of other viewers that I also will no return
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B
My puppy and I wont be watching the new stuff... not without the original Charlie... reruns only for us.
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P
I won't be watching Hudson & Rex without John Reardon. It's terrible what they did to him. I guess getting cancer eliminates you from your show; he should be able to sue them!
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R
I will Never watch that show again!! It’s not a show without John Reardon as Charlie!!!
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B
If you want to save this series I suggest you bring back John Reardon. Because, I will not watch season 8.
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R
Need to bring back John. How dare you let him go, when John made udson and Rex. Why did you let him go? Was it because he got sick, because if it was you all don't have a heart. Why do you think that we are going to like this new guy. THIS AGAIN.
ROBIN WHO LOVE THE ORIGINAL SHOW
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D
This hot garbage should be cancelled! After Shaftesbury dumped John Reardon in the middle of cancer treatment, there is no future for this show. Dead man walking...
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W
How very sad. This has been my favorite show, and John Reardon and Rex were the reason. Their dynamic is what made the show. I will stop watching. The replacement is certainly not Charlie. He is too hard assed to be Charlie. Giving this new person the name Hudson is a slap in the face to viewers. Do they think we are stupid?
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L
As many have commented here, fans are loyal to the actors who made this series a success. And John Reardon as the lead actor, along with Rex and the writers, made this show a hit. John wanted to return to the series after he beat cancer so it's puzzling why the producers would decide to kick him to the curb. It's interesting that Mayko Nguyen, who plays Dr. Sarah Truong, is among the show's executive producers. I wonder if she agreed to this change. I don't plan to watch the show's "different direction" in Season 8 and it looks like many fans don't either.
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M
The reruns are the only things worth watching, the new season is a disaster! The fact they don't even acknowledge Charlie makes it worse.
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D
This show was the reason I signed up for Up Faith and Family app, am considering canceling now. No interest in watching season 8. Oh look we just happen to have another detective named Hudson let him take over. Most ridiculous plot ever, and there have been some pretty bad ones over the years.
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B
I say the same as everyone else, I won’t be watching the new seasons.
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T
Without John Reardon I’m not going to continue watching it. The other castmates are wonderful but without him it’s not the same. What the show did to him is terrible, Up Faith and Family, yeah right, shame on you!!t
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G
Will not watch the new show.
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S
so john was sick & the a** got rid of him, that's just nasty. well better for him cs if he got sick working on the show & got back most likely working long hours & f** up schedule again,he risked a relapse & those sob wouldn't care. so now has plenty of time to relax, take it easy & take care of his health, instead of ending up like the late chadwick boseman which marvel a** worked to death. cs let's cut the cr** that them having him working on two films at the same time didn't contribute to his death, cs had no time to rest & get proper therapy for his condition. recall another actor from another show saying that they worked 16 hours per day. that's f** up & sure as hell can damage health, cs no proper rest,sleep & nutrition. on another note no mention that the show a copy of the german series commissar rex https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0108829/?ref_=nv_sr_srsg_0_tt_8_nm_0_in_0_q_commissar%20rex which has yet another reateration.https://variety.com/2025/tv/global/rex-vienna-beta-film-mr-film-seven-one-orf-1236547567/. the canadian version is mentioned but John's name is not mentioned in spite he has being starring on the show for so long. that's half a** reporting from variety as usual, when they don't spew woke nonsense & political propaganda, like these ones do which also, instead of sticking to reporting, go on political propaganda woke bs.
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S
I think I will bypass season 8 and wait for season 9 when John Reardon comes back. I don't understand how there can be a Hudson and Rex without Hudson anyway. It just doesn't make sense. They made the right decision bringing John back. It was wrong to have let him go in the first place. I love the other cast members as well though.
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J
I love John and I’m very very happy that he’s coming back. I didn’t care for the episodes without him I’d watch other shows when John wasn’t in just wasn’t Hudson and Rex without John as long as John is in I’ll watch
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K
Such hypocrisy! This faith and family channel dumps their star after he survives cancer. Horrible!! I will not watch the any episodes without John.
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C
Big Mistake!! Big!!!
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G
I have been a faithful fan throughout this entire show and watched more than my share of reruns. But since being told that it was definite that John Reardon would not be brought back as Charlie Hudson, I AM THROUGH WITH THIS SHOW! NO MORE HUDSON AND REX FOR ME. I LOVE THE OTHER CHARACTERS BUT WASSO DISGUSTED WHEN I WAS TOLD HE HAD A CLEAN BILL OF HEALTH BUT THE SHOW WAS NOT BRINGING HIM BACK!
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A
My husband suggested that I watch this show about a year ago and I really loved John Reardon and Rex. They were a great team. I really liked all the cast they were wonderful. It really made me upset that they treated John Reardon so terribly. It wasn't his fault he got tonsil cancer. As I am a kidney cancer survivor myself, life happens. You all need to treat people with "KINDNESS" during these difficult times. I am currently watching the re-runs of Hudson & Rex now I may have to continue watching them only. My heart goes out to John and his family to be "strong" after being treated that way!!! I'm sure God has "better" plans for you and Rex!
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J
They need John aka Hudson because they Rex and Huson have chemistry and you
Can't pretend that they didn't. If they Don't bring Hudson back John Reardon then my home won't be watching.
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C
I am so happy to see so many people feel the same way as I do. God bless you.
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C
Hudson and Rex won't be there same without John Reardon. I won't be watching it.
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K
I’m Very disappointed that John Reardon is not coming back to the show.
This was my favorite show until he left. I doubt I will continue to watch this show.
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C
I'm just glad Reardon is healthy & coming back.
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L
I like the show there are too many programs that are heavy with violence. These shows are alot easier ,
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M
Completly agree. Show is not the same without John Reardon. You will loose many if you don’t get him back on the show
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C
The show is not the same without John and Rex as partners.
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T
I'm so excited for Hudson and Rex to be back. My dog and I watch the show every night. Once John was gone, we stopped watching the show. My only concern is I don't care for the new guy and think they should phase him out. Everyone loved the cast as it was and hit TV series don't come around that often to mess with what was a winning cast. So happy to have John back and to see the original cast together again.
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R
John is only person to play the lead. So sad about original Rex but some one trains excellent relative.
Will miss season without John and wait for next year.
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N
I hate the new guy they replaced John with they should’ve canceled the show I quit watching
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G
I’m really bummed to hear that about John. I guess I’ll just catch the reruns on up TV. Why are they going to continue to call it Hudson and Rex if Hudson isn’t coming back?? Just curious 🙂
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W
I WON'T BE WATCHING IF THERES A NEW LEAD. I FIND IT AWFUL HOW CHARLIE WAS TREATED. I HOPE THE NEW SHOW FLOPS.
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J
I’ve read that John will be back for Season 9. I am thrilled to hear that! Because I’m in US, haven’t seen S8 with the new guy. Haven’t read anything positive about it. Although, I am beyond thrilled that John is back for S9, I am curious about what happens to new guy? Is he just out of a job? That seems mean. I hope he finds something better suited for him. As for John, I’m so happy he’s made a full recovery! It’s awesome he can come back to the series that loves him! I hope all of this has not been too stressful for him. I cannot imagine all of the feelings he must have experienced going through this unnecessary drama. I was saddened to hear of the passing of Diesel. He was such a beloved dog. I am happy to hear that some of his family members have taken over his job as Rex. I can’t think of a better tribute and solution for Rex to continue. Always wanted a German Shepherd. Such Gorgeous, Intelligent and Loving Dogs! Sooo, so happy John is back as Charlie! I certainly hope he was able to return to a supportive, positive environment. I’m not sure I could have come back to a place that tried to replace me. I guess one way to look at is that “they” were not able to effectively replace John/Charlie! Good Luck John! Good Luck Diesel’s Family!
🍀🍀🍀🍀🍀🍀🍀🍀🍀🍀🍀🍀🍀🍀🍀
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K
We also prefer John to be back!!
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K
We Still aren’t getting the New season 8 Rex & Hudson. I keep reading June but it still doesn’t show up on my guide only reruns!! Waiting for the new season still! We are in Illinois
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S
I was a huge fan of Hudson and Rex but no more. First, the treatment of John Reardon is totally unacceptable. Additionally, John Reardon as Charlie Hudson was key to the show. I saw one show without him and the total chemistry of the show has changed. Part of its charm was the chemistry. Without him the other actors seemed much less connected. I will watch the shows with Charlie but will not watch the new shows as it holds no appeal for me.
You all made a big mistake.
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N
My husband and I have been binging on Hudson and Rex and I’ve just gotten to season seven. I knew something was up when Charlie didn’t come back in! Then I did my research and I’m very very very sad and disappointed in what the production company has done. John Reardan did not deserve that and neither did we, the fans! Won’t be watching season eight. So grateful John is healed of cancer! May the Lord show him His new direction for him.
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W
I thought finding Charlie would make a great show or two. What they did instead was ridiculous. Just heard that John is coming back for season 9? Is this true?
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G
They're bringing him back and I am very glad of that. The fact is they're only bringing him back because of the outcry from the people which is us. I truly hope he is successful. What they did to him was a shame and I'm glad they're trying to rectify it
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L
It makes me unhappy that I never get any response, I'm looking at the info box on my television - Season 8 Episode 5 to be shown on Thu. 9/03 it is listed as NEW on 10/20/25 (I also can't find Season 8 episodes 1-4 )
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A
I’m not happy that the actor who plays Mark Hudson, does not associate with Rex, you’re not having Rex sniff around and find effedence, no one is associating with Rex either, you need to bring Charlie back and have him and Rex associate with each other and Charlie always ask to give him some love, he gets pets ect, bring back the way it was like previous seasons/episodes
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H
I am so glad John Reardon is back. Now maybe john and sara can get back together also rex.
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S
I live down in Texas. Been watching Hudon & Rex since Season 1. The show is nothing without John Reardon. What they did to him was from the bigwigs that have no heart. Season 8 is suppose to start next month on August 6th. I will not be watching unless John Reardon comes back. I am so glad that he beat the cancer.
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G
My neighbor me hooked on Hudson and Rex. I found out about John Reardon on the Internet and thought it was so sad that not only did he fight cancer, he lost a job he was very good at and his dear friend Rex Star died. I'm watching season 8 however Mark Hudson who replaced John displays little personality and no real caring for Rex...John should not have been replaced
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J
He didn’t leave. They tried to replace him after he had cancer surgery and was cleared to go back to work. The Production Company said they were taking the show in a new direction. With a different actor having the same last name Hudson. Did not go over well with viewers. Viewers made their opinions known loud and clear. Season 9 John will be back!
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G
Ça prend plus qu’un an pour se remettre d’un cancer.
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J
Sorry if I confused any one. I only get the regular, free Up, so guess I’ll have to keep waiting.
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J
Love the info but just checked and the season 8 is not listed on the guide on June 11th. Has there been an updated time for it to be on TV.
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