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John Reardon said he did not choose to leave Hudson & Rex. After taking time for cancer treatment, he said he received a clean bill of health and was ready to return, but the team chose a different direction. Producer Shaftesbury gave a different but limited public account: it and Reardon “could not find a workable pathway forward” for his return. In May 2026, Citytv/Rogers announced that Reardon would return as Charlie Hudson in a new season.
What John Reardon said about his exit
In a public statement in September 2025, Reardon rejected the idea that he had voluntarily left the series. “The truth is: I didn’t leave Hudson & Rex,” he said. He explained that he had taken a couple of months for cancer treatment, had received a clean bill of health and was ready to return to work, but “the team chose to go in a different direction.” Just Jared reproduced his statement.
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|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
![Hudson & Rex: Season 1-5 [DVD]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51gDrE+dtZL._SL160_.jpg)
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Hudson & Rex: Season 1-5 [DVD] | $149.45 | Buy on Amazon |
| 2 |
![Hudson & Rex: Season 6 [DVD]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51ORZNmDHZL._SL160_.jpg)
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Hudson & Rex: Season 6 [DVD] | $40.67 | Buy on Amazon |
| 3 |
![Hudson & Rex: Season 1 [DVD] [2019]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51EGjYTuDiS._SL160_.jpg)
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Hudson & Rex: Season 1 [DVD] [2019] | $29.83 | Buy on Amazon |
| 4 |
![Hudson & Rex: Season 3 [DVD] [2021]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51zdPu8OxUL._SL160_.jpg)
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Hudson & Rex: Season 3 [DVD] [2021] | $28.16 | Buy on Amazon |
| 5 |
![Hudson & Rex: Season 4 [DVD] [2022]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/41I7CenWLYL._SL160_.jpg)
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Hudson & Rex: Season 4 [DVD] [2022] | $29.35 | Buy on Amazon |
The Canadian Press reported that Reardon was diagnosed with tonsil cancer partway through filming season seven and underwent treatment for several months. The health details here reflect Reardon’s account as reported at the time; the cited coverage is not an independent medical assessment. The Canadian Press report via iNFOnews.ca also covered the production’s response.
What the production company said
A Shaftesbury spokesperson said the company and Reardon “could not find a workable pathway forward for his return to Hudson & Rex.” That statement does not explain what prevented an agreement or provide further details about the discussions. The public accounts therefore establish that Reardon said he was ready to come back and that Shaftesbury described the return talks as unsuccessful, but they do not establish more about how the decision was made.
#1 Best Overall
- Hudson & Rex: Season 1-5
Why the exit was not the end of the story
In May 2026, Rogers Sports & Media announced that Reardon would return as Detective Charlie Hudson for a new 12-episode season. The announcement said production was scheduled to begin in June in St. John’s, Newfoundland, and that the season would stream on Citytv+. It described Charlie as returning to St. John’s after going to South America in search of his missing brother. Rogers’ announcement is the basis for those plans.
The announced returning cast also includes Mayko Nguyen, Kevin Hanchard, Justin Kelly and Luke Roberts. Roberts had joined the show as Detective Mark Hudson for season eight, according to contemporaneous Canadian Press reporting. Separately, the Canadian Press reported that Diesel, the dog who portrayed Rex, died early in season seven; that event should not be confused with Reardon’s exit or treated as its cause.
Rank #2
- Hudson & Rex: Season 6
Where to watch the new season
Rogers named Citytv+ as the streaming destination in its May 2026 announcement. That announcement does not establish current release timing or availability in every territory, so check Citytv+ and local listings for up-to-date access where you live.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- Hudson & Rex: Season 4 [DVD] [2022]
- Product tpe: PHYSICAL TV SERIES
- Brand: Dazzler Media
Rank #4
Rank #3
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
