If you’ve spent any time in St. John’s, Newfoundland, you’ve probably seen the production trucks or the tall, sharp-jawed Detective Charlie Hudson walking a German Shepherd through the fog. The show is a staple. But lately, if you’ve been keeping up with the Hudson and Rex cast, things feel... different.
Honestly, it’s been a bit of a rollercoaster for the fans. You’ve got a show that basically saved the "K9 cop" genre, but between real-life health battles and the heartbreaking loss of the show’s biggest four-legged star, the SJPD Major Crimes team is looking a lot different in 2026 than it did when the pilot aired.
The Heart of the Team: John Reardon and Charlie Hudson
John Reardon is the face of the show. Or he was. Most people don't realize that Reardon nearly turned down the role of Charlie Hudson initially. He had just moved to Los Angeles, and the idea of packing up for the edge of the Atlantic in Newfoundland wasn't exactly on his radar. Ironically, it was his son—also named Hudson—and his wife, actress Meghan Ory, who convinced him to take the leap.
For years, Charlie Hudson was the steady hand. He’s a detective who prefers a dog’s intuition to a human’s excuses. But the real-life drama hit hard during Season 7. Reardon was diagnosed with tonsil cancer, a terrifying reality that forced him to step away from the set for treatment.
While he was recovering, the show had to keep moving. They brought in Luke Roberts as "Detective Mark" to fill the void. For a large chunk of that season, Charlie was "in South America" searching for a lost brother, appearing only via phone calls. It was a weird time for the Hudson and Rex cast dynamic. Fans were vocal. They wanted their lead back.
The kicker? Even though Reardon beat the cancer and was ready to lace up his boots for Season 8, reports surfaced that his contract wasn't renewed. It sparked a massive wave of disappointment across social media. Seeing the show continue into Season 9 without the man who started it all feels like a different series entirely.
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Who Really Plays Rex? (It’s Not Just One Dog)
We have to talk about Diesel.
Diesel vom Burgimwald wasn't just a trained animal; he was the soul of the production. His trainer, Sherri Davis, found him after a breeder had essentially given up on him, calling the dog "no good" because he’d been returned. Sherri saw something else. She saw a star.
For six seasons, Diesel was the one doing those incredible stunts. But in early 2025, the news broke that Diesel had passed away during the production of Season 7. It started with a burst spleen and ended in a diagnosis of late-stage cancer. He was only eight years old.
So, who is the "Rex" you’re seeing on screen now?
- Dillon: Diesel’s nephew. He took over the primary heavy lifting.
- Dante: Another nephew who shares the workload.
- Dreamer: The designated "stunt dog" for the more physically demanding chases.
The transition hasn't been seamless. Hardcore fans—the ones who watch the way a German Shepherd carries its tail—noticed the switch immediately. Sherri Davis kept the news quiet for months while filming just to keep the set's energy from dipping into grief. It’s a testament to how much that dog meant to the Hudson and Rex cast and crew.
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The Supporting Squad: Sarah, Joe, and Jesse
While the leads get the headlines, the supporting cast is what makes the St. John’s police station feel like a real workplace.
Mayko Nguyen (Dr. Sarah Truong)
Sarah is the Chief of Forensics. Nguyen plays her with this very specific, disciplined energy—someone who is clearly a workaholic but has slowly allowed the team (and Charlie) into her life. In the show’s timeline, Sarah and Charlie finally moved in together, which gave the fans the "will-they-won't-they" payoff they’d been craving for years. Nguyen has often mentioned in interviews that the appeal of the show was the "seriousness" of the forensic work contrasted with the fun of working with a dog.
Kevin Hanchard (Superintendent Joseph Donovan)
You might know Hanchard from Orphan Black, where he was also a cop. He brings a gravitas to Joe Donovan that keeps the show from feeling too "cozy." Joe isn't just a boss; he’s a mentor. The character’s backstory involving his daughter Camilla adds a layer of humanity that procedural shows often skip.
Justin Kelly (Jesse Mills)
Jesse is the resident tech genius. He started as the "millennial" IT specialist and eventually worked his way up to Detective and head of the Electronic Crime Division. Justin Kelly—who many remember from Degrassi—brings the comic relief. Jesse is the guy who loses his water bottle, plays too much Fortnite, and complains about morning jogs. He’s the heart of the "found family" theme that runs through the series.
Why the Hudson and Rex Cast Matters in 2026
The show is currently navigating its most difficult period. With Season 9 in production, there's a lot of talk about "ratings lag" and whether the franchise can survive the departure of John Reardon.
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The chemistry between a human lead and a dog is incredibly hard to fake. When you replace both the human and the dog, you’re basically starting a new show with an old name. But the loyalty of the Canadian audience is legendary. People don't just watch for the crimes; they watch for the scenery of Newfoundland—the Bruneau building at MUN doubling as the police station, the rocky coastlines, and the familiar faces.
What You Should Do Next
If you’re a fan or a newcomer trying to catch up on the Hudson and Rex cast changes, here is the best way to handle the transition:
- Watch Season 7, Episode 3 ("A Room with a Clue"): This was Diesel’s final full episode. It’s an emotional milestone for the series.
- Follow Sherri Davis on social media: If you want the "real" behind-the-scenes look at how the new dogs (Dillon and Dante) are being trained to maintain Diesel’s legacy, she is the primary source.
- Check out John Reardon’s house Reno series: If you miss seeing Reardon on screen, he and Meghan Ory have a YouTube series documenting the renovation of their 120-year-old house. It’s a great way to see the "real" Charlie Hudson in a much more relaxed environment.
The show might be changing, but the bond between a man and his dog—even if the man and the dog are different actors now—remains the hook that keeps us coming back.
Actionable Insight: If you are looking for the most current updates on Season 9 filming locations, keep an eye on local St. John's community boards. The production often shoots in public spaces around Water Street and the university campus, and locals are usually the first to spot the "new" Rex in action.