Despite having an integral role and a promising future in the ABC police procedural, Afton Williamson departed from The Rookie after season 1. The series debuted in 2018 with a premise following John Nolan (played by actor Nathan Fillion), a 45-year-old Pennsylvanian divorcee who pursues a new career as a police officer in the LAPD. His late occupation shift makes him the oldest rookie on the force, and The Rookie explores his determination to overcome ageist skepticism and the dangerously unpredictable nature of the job. In The Rookie season 1, Nolan courageously begins training in the LAPD's rookie program.

Under Afton Williamson's training officer, Talia Bishop, Nolan begins to learn the ropes and, at times, is allowed to take charge out on the field. Bishop is not only essential to Nolan's growth in the LAPD, but she also has important goals of her own - to rise in the ranks and eventually become Chief of Police.