As Hudson & Rex heads into its landmark eighth season, the beloved crime procedural is poised to undergo its most emotional and transformative chapter yet. With filming underway and a projected premiere in February 2026, fans have plenty to be excited about—but also much to process. Behind the scenes, real-life heartbreak has reshaped the trajectory of the series, forever altering its core dynamic and leaving an undeniable imprint on both cast and audience.

The heart of Hudson & Rex has always been its unique bond between Detective Charlie Hudson (played by John Reardon) and his faithful canine partner, Rex. For seven seasons, their partnership has captivated viewers with its blend of loyalty, intelligence, and mutual understanding. But this enduring connection suffered a devastating blow in 2024 when Diesel vom Burgimwald, the German Shepherd who portrayed Rex since the series’ inception, passed away unexpectedly at just eight years old.

Diesel died from complications following a burst spleen during the production of Season 7. After undergoing surgery and receiving round-the-clock care for weeks, the brave canine sadly had to be compassionately euthanized. The decision was made to keep Diesel’s death private until Season 7 concluded, allowing the team time to prepare emotionally—and logistically—for what came next.

Fittingly, Diesel’s final appearance aired on January 21 in the episode “A Room with a Clue”—an installment centered around Rex himself. Though unintentional at the time, the episode has since become a powerful and poignant farewell to the four-legged star. His absence now looms large over the series’ future, raising the question: How does a show built on a unique human-animal partnership continue after such an irreplaceable loss?

The answer lies partly in the seamless and heartfelt efforts of Diesel’s trainer, Sherri Davis. Quietly, behind the scenes, she had been preparing Diesel’s nephews—Dylan and Dante—for a potential transition. As Season 8 begins production, Dylan officially steps into the role of Rex, with another German Shepherd named Dreamer serving as his stunt double. It’s a casting choice made with love, legacy, and continuity in mind.

In a recent interview, Davis revealed the emotional difficulty of the process. “I had to stay concentrated on the task at hand,” she said, referring to her responsibility to train Diesel’s successors. “I am a very private person, and I did not want people approaching me on set about the news. That would make me emotional, and that would project to Dylan that I was upset with his performance.” Her words speak to the extraordinary care and professionalism behind the scenes, as well as the deep emotional bonds formed throughout the show’s run.

At the center of all this is John Reardon, whose real-life relationship with Diesel mirrored the one audiences saw onscreen. The bond they shared was more than just acting chemistry—it was genuine trust and affection, built over years of filming together. “We spent a lot of time together,” Reardon shared on a podcast shortly after Diesel’s passing. “We really started to know what each other needed to do or was trying to do when we were filming scenes. That bond was intuitive.” He continued, “Animals communicate in their own language—with their breath, their energy, their affection. It’s just as sophisticated, just different.”

But Reardon’s heartbreak didn’t end with Diesel. In a separate revelation that stunned fans, he disclosed that he had spent the last year battling tonsil cancer. On Christmas Eve, he shared his journey publicly via social media with a moving post featuring a side-by-side photo comparison: one image capturing him at peak health, the other during his cancer treatment. In the caption, Reardon wrote, “Last night was my first night out after my recovery from tonsil cancer. Has been a long road between these two pictures, and the difference is from the love and support I received from my people in my life.”

Fortunately, his battle ended with hope. The actor has since confirmed that he is cancer-free and has been medically cleared to return to work. His resilience—and the support he received from fans and the production team—mirrors the strength that Hudson & Rex will need as it reinvents itself in Season 8.

Filming began in May 2025 and is scheduled to continue through July, with Season 8 expected to premiere in February 2026. While plot details remain under wraps, insiders tease a season filled with emotional depth, character growth, and new dynamics as Dylan’s portrayal of Rex introduces a slightly different energy to the duo’s chemistry. Viewers can expect the show to address the transition with care and authenticity, paying homage to Diesel’s legacy while embracing the future.

It’s clear that Season 8 won’t be just another installment—it will be a tribute. A tribute to Diesel’s unwavering loyalty, to Reardon’s perseverance, and to the extraordinary connection that has defined the show for nearly a decade. In many ways, Hudson & Rex is not only continuing—it is evolving. The loss is profound, but so too is the strength that carries it forward.

As production progresses, fans will undoubtedly feel a mix of emotions when tuning in. The familiar rhythms of detective work, the heartfelt glances between man and dog, and the picturesque St. John’s backdrop will remain—but tinged with bittersweetness. Hudson & Rex Season 8 is shaping up to be more than a continuation. It’s a new beginning, shaped by memory, love, and resilience.

For weekly updates on Hudson & Rex, including behind-the-scenes footage, interviews, and new cast developments, be sure to follow the show’s official channels and stay tuned. This season promises to be its most heartfelt yet—and one that proves that even in loss, a legacy can live on.