Fans tuning in to Hudson & Rex Season 7 quickly noticed a big change — Detective Charlie Hudson, played by John Reardon, is absent from most episodes. While the show explained Hudson’s absence as a personal mission to track down his brother, the real reason behind the scenes was far more serious.
Why John Reardon’s Hudson is not in Hudson & Rex Season 7
During the production of Hudson & Rex Season 7, John Reardon was diagnosed with tonsil cancer.
This unexpected health challenge forced him to step away from filming to begin treatment. The series continued without him, using the “away on a mission” storyline to keep his character in play and avoid halting production.
Reardon underwent treatment and has since shared positive updates about his recovery. His absence was especially felt because Hudson is one of the show’s two leads alongside Rex, the crime-solving German Shepherd. The creative team kept the story moving. However, longtime fans still noticed the gap his character left in the Canadian police procedural.
Will John Reardon’s Hudson return to Hudson & Rex?
The good news for fans is that Reardon’s treatment was successful. He is now cancer-free and medically cleared to return to work.
In an Instagram post, the actor expressed gratitude and optimism, saying he was “feeling strong and very appreciative” and eager to reunite with the Hudson & Rex cast and crew.
Season 7’s ending, which has not yet aired in the United States, leaves the door open for his return. There has been no official confirmation from CityTV about Season 8 casting. However, nothing suggests that John Reardon has been fired or that his time on Hudson & Rex has ended for good.
Hudson & Rex airs Thursdays at 8 p.m. ET on UPtv in the U.S., with the complete Season 7 already available on CityTV in Canada.
