Recasting the lead of a popular TV drama is always a risk, especially when a loyal dog character losing its master is involved.

So when angry fans of the Canadian cop and dog drama Hudson & Rex spoke after John Reardon as Detective Charlie Hudson over seven seasons was replaced by British actor Luke Roberts as Detective Mark Hudson in season 8, indie producer Shaftesbury found itself in the firing line.

The Canadian procedural on Thursday received a ninth season order from local network Citytv, with news that Reardon, having completed a cancer treatment and in good health, was back on the case as Detective Hudson and alongside his trusted canine-partner Rex.

“John is a talented actor and we’re incredibly pleased to have him return as Detective Charlie Hudson,” Christina Jennings, chairman and CEO of Shaftesbury, said in a statement said of Reardon returning to the homegrown drama set in St. John’s, Newfoundland. “We know that fans missed him and so did we. We look forward to getting back to work and bringing fans an exciting new season.” 

The reinstatement follows Hudson & Rex fans filling the show’s social media accounts with criticism and launching petitions calling for Reardon to be reunited with Rex on screen after news he would not appear in season 8 was announced.

“The series has earned a passionate audience around the world, and I’m grateful for the continued support. I’m looking forward to beginning production on the new season with the cast, crew, creative team, production, and network partners – and to sharing more adventures with Rex and the fans,” Reardon said in his own statement.

Produced by Shaftesbury and Pope Productions Ltd., in association with Citytv and international distributor Beta Film, Hudson & Rex has been sold to over 100 territories including the United States, Italy, Germany, and France. 

In a Sept. 2025 Instagram post, Reardon revealed his recasting on Hudson & Rex was not his choice. “I’ve been quiet for a while — partly because it was hard to find the words, and partly because I didn’t want anyone else speaking for me. 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,” the popular Canadian actor wrote.

Now Reardon is back on board for another 12-episode season for Hudson & Rex, and reuniting with his loyal canine-partner Rex, as marked in another Instagram post on Thursday.