Isabella Thornton
Discover everything you need to know about the Citytv original series Hudson & Rex Season 8 (2025) — from its premiere date and streaming platform to the complete episode guide and cast lineup. I’ll also walk you through a step-by-step guide on how to watch it online in the US. Got questions? Drop them in the comments, and I’ll respond quickly to help you start streaming without any hassle.
How can I watch Hudson and Rex Season 8 in the US on Citytv+
To watch Hudson & Rex Season 8 on Citytv Plus, follow these steps:
Hudson & Rex Season 8 Plot
Hudson & Rex is the Canadian reimagining of the classic Austrian-Italian series Kommissar Rex. It begins with Detective Charlie Hudson teaming up with Rex, a highly trained German Shepherd who lost his original handler. Together, they build a partnership rooted in loyalty, empathy, and sharp instincts. Their cases range from murder investigations and kidnappings to poisonings and heists, always spotlighting the connection between man and dog. Over the years, fans have watched their relationship deepen, while the team around them brought humor, heart, and intellect to the table. In Season 8, the focus shifts as Mark Hudson joins Rex, creating a new dynamic. This season dives deeper into suspense, exploring emotional struggles and cases tied to a looming, darker threat.
When does Hudson & Rex Season 8 premiere?
Season 8 of Hudson & Rex aired on September 22, 2025, on Citytv.
Hudson & Rex Season 8 Cast
- Luke Roberts as Mark Hudson
- Diesel vom Burgimwald, Dylan, and Dante as Rex
- Mayko Nguyen as Sarah Truong
- Kevin Hanchard as Superintendent Joe Donovan
- Justin Kelly as Jesse Mills
- Bridget Wareham as Dr. Karma Poole
- Raven Dauda as Sergeant Jan Renley
- Andrew Bushell as Michael Billinger
- Lanette Ware as Superintendent Vanessa Lewis
Hudson & Rex Season 8 Episode Guide:
- Into the Wilds – Release Date: September 22, 2025: Mark, Rex, and Jesse track a missing witness being hunted by a mob boss’s assassin.
- Runaway Witness – Release Date: September 29, 2025: (Spoiler Alert) The case takes a gripping turn when a young lawyer is suddenly abducted off the street. The team’s only lead is a child who witnessed the crime but has since gone missing. As they track the boy down, Rex establishes a bond with the traumatized child, who communicates mainly through his drawings. These sketches become crucial in piecing together the truth, pushing Hudson and his team closer to uncovering a dangerous money-laundering scheme. With time running out, they must work swiftly to rescue the kidnapped lawyer before the criminals eliminate her to cover their tracks.
- Best Kind – Release Date: October 6, 2025: Episode 3 was one of the weakest of the season, with slow pacing that turned it into a snooze-fest. The big reveal of Mark introducing himself as Mark Hudson felt misplaced, as his surname and backstory were never explained. His forced connection with Rex lacked the warmth and trust Charlie brought, making his sudden bond with the dog unconvincing. Sarah’s decision to seemingly hand Rex over to Mark, despite her promise to Charlie, further undermined the show’s emotional continuity. Many fans, though frustrated, continue watching for the dogs, but unless the writing improves, even loyal viewers may lose interest.
- Criminal Rex – Release Date: October 13, 2025: The team faces one of their most dangerous cases yet. The episode begins with Sarah and Rex being kidnapped by a ruthless criminal mastermind named Rupert Mankiewicz, who is determined to exact revenge on the St. John’s Major Crimes Unit. His sinister plan involves turning Rex into a weapon to carry out his crimes, forcing the loyal K9 into a moral and physical struggle unlike anything he has faced before. As tensions rise, Detective Charlie Hudson, along with Mark and Jesse, race against time to locate their teammates before Mankiewicz’s plan reaches its deadly conclusion. The episode delivers a gripping blend of suspense, emotional intensity, and heartwarming loyalty as Rex’s instincts and Sarah’s quick thinking become key to their survival. “Criminal Rex” showcases the unbreakable bond between Rex and his human partners, proving that even in the darkest moments, trust and teamwork can overcome any threat.
- Of All the Gin Joints – Release Date: October 20, 2025: Family rivalries explode after a distillery owner is found drowned, with Rex uncovering the hidden recipe behind the case.
- Fortitude Newfoundland – Release Date: October 27, 2025: A survivalist competition takes a deadly turn when a staged bear attack hides a murder.
- Conspiracy Theory – Release Date: November 3, 2025: The team investigates the death of a conspiracy podcaster, uncovering ties to Mark’s past.
- Bird’s Eye View (Mid-Season) – Release Date: November 10, 2025: The season finale promises to tie together dark threads and test Rex and Mark like never before.
Why was John Reardon not in Season 8?
John Reardon did not return for Season 8 of Hudson & Rex because he was diagnosed with tonsil cancer during Season 7. He later recovered and returned fit for work, but the producers decided to move forward without his character. Instead, they introduced Mark Hudson, played by Luke Roberts, as Rex’s new partner.
Hudson & Rex Fans Outraged: Cast Shakeup Sparks Global Backlash
When Hudson & Rex returned for Season 8 without longtime lead John Reardon, viewers were stunned and many felt betrayed. Reardon, who portrayed Detective Charlie Hudson for seven seasons, revealed he was ready to return after cancer treatment, but producers went in a new direction, replacing him with actor Luke Roberts. Fans flooded social media with outrage, petitions, and even paid for newspaper ads demanding answers, saying the chemistry between Reardon and Rex was irreplaceable. For loyal viewers across Canada and abroad, the sudden change shattered the emotional bond they had with the series, leaving many to declare they won’t be watching again.
Where to watch Hudson & Rex Season 8 in the US?
Previous seasons of Hudson & Rex are currently available to stream in the US on UPtv, UP Faith & Family, as well as through their Amazon Prime Video Channel and Apple TV Channel. Season 8 is also expected to be added to these same platforms, giving American viewers full access once it becomes available. However, the exact US release date for Hudson & Rex Season 8 has not yet been officially announced.
Hudson & Rex Season 8 Preview:
The trailer for Hudson & Rex Season 8 has been released.
FAQs
- Is John Reardon returning as Charlie Hudson in Season 8?
No. John Reardon will not be returning in Season 8. - Who replaces Charlie Hudson as Rex’s detective partner in Season 8?
The role of detective partner to Rex is taken over by Mark Hudson (played by Luke Roberts). - Where was Season 8 filmed?
Filming took place in St. John’s, Newfoundland from May to late July 2025. - What happened to Diesel, the dog who played Rex?
Diesel vom Burgimwald, the original dog actor for Rex, passed away prior to Season 7; his nephews (Dillon, Dante, etc.) and relatives have taken over the role.
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Why the hell are you letting John Reardon go.
You are ruining this show. SHAME IF YOU GET CANCER MAYBE YOU WILL BE NEXT.
I agree with you and won’t even bother with season 8.
This was a huge mistake on the part,of the producers to let John Reardon go. His individual acting along the team’s portrayal of an irreplaceable bond made him invaluable. Many shows introduce new characters and survive well, but I personally have been unable to become invested, even though I love the dog(s) and other actors
Many people think like you, and it’s hard not to agree.
Totally agree. It’s disgusting that they let him go. If it’s about wanting Luke to be a character on the show let him be part of the team. But no one can replace Charlie. I hope they bring him back for season 9 or I am definitely done with the show.
The reactions are incredibly strong and deeply personal. I believe they’ll have no choice but to bring Charlie back to the show in some way.