See John Reardon Back as Charlie on ‘Hudson & Rex’ After Cancer Treatment
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+!
View this post on Instagram
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.
View this post on Instagram
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
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G
I cancelled my subscription to the family channel because of what they did to Reardon. I’m so glad he’s coming back, it just wasn’t the same without him. As soon as the show hits the airways I will be resubscribing.
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S
I stopped watching when it became apparent Reardon wasn't asked to return, so I don't know how the new guy also being named Hudson was explained. I imagine it won't be addressed now. I'm just glad Charlie will be back.
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S
Absolutely disgusting of the network to replace the TRUE HUDSON of Hudson and Rex AFTER A CANCER DIAGNOSIS & the fact that he needed a leave of absence to receive treatment!! Shame on them!! This network doesn’t deserve John Reardon after deciding that he may NOT return as the main character when his doctor gave him the “all clear” to return to his role as the one and only CHARLIE HUDSON on Hudson and Rex! This network is fortunate that John Reardon was still available and AGREED TO COME BACK after the network’s inconceivable behavior! My family chose to cancel all new recordings of Hudson & Rex season 8 and never intended to tune in again to watch HUDSON & Rex that would benefit the network after the unthinkable decision to replace John Reardon when he was not only given a clean bill of help and clearance to return to his role but he WANTED TO RETURN and was told “NO!”…sorry Charlie we are replacing your role and character all together! As if a a supposed BROTHER named Mark Hudson, played by Luke something or other will be just as good, without John Reardon as Charlie Hudson. This new character has absolutely no resemblance to Charlie (John Reardon) in anyway! Not only are is looks lacking, but his overall persona and chemistry with the other actors, ESPECIALLY Rex, just DOES NOT WORK! Now that John Reardon is said to be back permanently in his original role on season 9, we will continue to watch our favorite show BU….if it doesn’t happen, NO MORE H & R will be viewed by us
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K
While it was sad that John Reardon initially wasn't asked back after he was healthy again, I find it equally sad that many viewers refused to give Luke Roberts a chance! No, he's not Charlie, but he's done a bang-up job filling a tough role in a much-loved program. I think he's been excellent in a very difficult situation, and I wish people had continued to watch the show with open minds instead of just dismissing him out of hand. That said, I'm glad they're getting the whole gang back together with John returning as Charlie, and I can't wait to see how wonderful Hudson & Rex is from now on!
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R
I am ecstatic to see John Reardon return to Hudson & Rex. Luke Roberts is doing a very good role and it would indeed be good to see him continue in the show. John Reardon plays his Charlie Hudson well and so amazing to see the "connection" between Charlie and his partner Rex. Thank you for a great program!!
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C
Hudson and Rex with Charlie had possibly the best actor chemistry of any show on TV. I watch the older episodes over and over, enjoying them again. But that's gone now with the talentless and egotistic replacement. You have killed the show with one change.
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M
So glad they caught the cancer in time! I'm very glad John Reardon is doing well and is coming back as Charlie Hudson.
SPOILER perhaps:
I recently got to see one of the episodes with 'Mark Hudson'. I was surprised that I thought it was pretty good. It was nice to see the rest of the team back in action (working!) and Luke Roberts fit in very well. And they certainly seemed to leave an opening for Charlie to return --- he was declared 'missing' in the story line.
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