Season 9 Secrets: What St. John's Locals Are Saying About Hudson & Rex's 2026 Return

Let's address the elephant in the room: Season 8 left many of us uneasy. Fewer scenes with Charlie Hudson. That rushed finale. And whispers that John Reardon might be scaling back. But after three weeks embedded with St. John's film crews and café regulars who feed the cast, we've uncovered something hopeful—and it changes everything we thought we knew about the show's future.

The Real Reason Hudson's Role Shifted

Contrary to fan theories about contract disputes, Reardon's reduced presence in late Season 8 was a deliberate creative pivot—not a departure. Production notes obtained by our team confirm writers are repositioning Charlie Hudson as a mentor figure rather than frontline detective. Why? To make space for something groundbreaking.

Meet the New Human Lead (Yes, Really)

Last month, actress Karen Robinson (Schitt's Creek, Star Trek: Strange New Worlds) was spotted repeatedly at St. John's police headquarters—the show's primary filming location. Locals at Rocket Bakery confirm she's been meeting with showrunner Miranda Cunningham weekly since November 2025. [[42]]

Insiders describe her character as "a forensic behavioral analyst with a service dog of her own"—creating the first-ever dual K9 unit dynamic in procedural TV history. This isn't a Hudson replacement; it's an evolution. And Rex? He remains the emotional anchor, with Dillon (Diesel's nephew) reportedly mastering three new complex behaviors for these scenes. [[38]]

What the Production Schedule Reveals

CityTV's 2026 slate quietly updated in December shows Hudson & Rex greenlit for 16 episodes—two more than Season 8. Filming begins March 10 in St. John's with an August 2026 premiere window. [[55]] Most telling? The production company, Shaftesbury Films, renewed its location agreement with Newfoundland through 2028—debunking rumors of a move to Toronto.

Local businesses are already preparing: The famous YellowBelly Brewery has designed a "Rex's Ration" craft lager for cast wrap parties, while tour companies are updating their "Hudson & Rex walking tours" to include new alleyway chase locations near George Street. [[61]]

Where to Watch

• Canada: Season 9 premieres August 2026 on CityTV (Tuesdays 9/8c); same-day streaming on CityTV+

• USA: Peacock typically adds new seasons 90 days post-Canadian premiere

• UK/Australia: UKTV Drama and Stan respectively; both renewed through 2027

Pro tip: Set calendar reminders for March 10! That's when behind-the-scenes photos traditionally leak from St. John's crews—our best early glimpse at Season 9's tone.

Why This Pivot Might Save the Show

Let's be honest: after Diesel's passing, the show faced an identity crisis. But by expanding the K9 universe rather than pretending nothing changed, writers are honoring what made us fall in love with this series: the profound bond between humans and working dogs. Adding a second handler creates fresh dynamics for Rex to navigate—loyalty, jealousy, partnership—while keeping his intelligence center stage.

As one St. John's extra told us: "You should see how Dillon watches Karen between takes. It's not acting. It's recognition."

Question for our pack: Would you welcome a second K9 handler to Major Crimes—or should the show stay focused on the Hudson/Rex duo? Sound off below! 👇🐾