Actor John Reardon and side-kick Diesel are ready to take a bite out of crime on Hudson & Rex, but when The Herald visits, it’s playtime!

The crew of Hudson & Rex can be found out and about almost anywhere in this fine province of Newfoundland.

Hudson & Rex Set | Michael Chubbs

UNEXPECTED ENCOUNTERS

Tune into social media and you’ll find hikers and staycationers posting about their own unexpected encounters with the dynamic duo anywhere from Manuels River in Conception Bay South to Marine Park’s beach in Pouch Cove.

Seeing this proud Newfoundland production at work is a sight to behold and an honour to take in.
On this fine July day, The Herald’s Managing Editor Pam Pardy visits the cast and crew on their set in the city’s core to have a look around and to meet the team behind the television magic.

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Pardy comes bearing gifts; copies of The Newfoundland Herald featuring Hudson & Rex along with Stella, the RNC’s Support Dog. Associate producer and life partner of producer Paul Pope, Lisa Porter, graciously shows us around, the pride is apparent. Elaborate set construction – from jail cells to Hudson’s kitchen at home or at headquarters – it’s a thrill to take it all in.

On this hot day it’s clear how much love and dedication goes into each episode by each and every team member. From greeters who check any site-goers temperature for COVID safety protocols to catering and wardrobe, everyone has a role they seem thrilled to fill.

SAYING CHEESE

There’s lighting stand-ins doing their thing as the next shot scenes get lit, ‘police officers’ hanging around waiting to look authoritative the second they hear ‘action!’ and then there’s Hudson – the very talented John Reardon – who manages to look cool in leather and jeans on this sweltering day.

Of course, the moment of the day belongs to Diesel as he struts his fluffy stuff on set from his air-conditioned trailer. Every bit the diva, he poses for the camera, taking the selfie up a notch by putting a copy of The Herald in his mouth and showing off his cover before saying ‘cheese.’ It’s been an incredible visit and our host has graciously taken us to see every inch of the fine and fun facility. From Rex’s trailer to wardrobe, it’s clear this is a labour of love for those who work on this incredible production shot right here at home.

Update: A previous version of this story identified Lisa Porter as a writer