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.
