The Rookie Shocker: Afton Williamson Departs!

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When The Rookie returns for Season 2, it will be without one of the show's most popular stars. 

TV Line is reporting that Afton Williamson is bowing out of the ABC drama series after one season in the role of Talia Bishop. 

The outlet is reporting that it was an "amicable" decision between ABC and Williamson.

Under Surveillance - The Rookie

It's not uncommon for casting changes between seasons, but Williamson's departure will shake up the show in a big way. 

If you watch The Rookie online, you know that Bishop was a major character uring The Rookie Season 1

Related: The Rookie Renewed at ABC

The character was initially against taking John Nolan under her wing because she was worried that he could slow down her career growth. 

Shoot You In the Face - The Rookie Season 1 Episode 15

There was an undeniable bond between the two when they started to become friends. 

As for how Bishop could be written out, there was a storyline which involved the character concealing potentially compromising information from her LAPD application. 

That could be a potential way to end the arc. 

Nathan Fillion, Alyssa Diaz, Richard T. Jones, Titus Makin Jr., Melissa O’Neil, and Eric Winter are all slated to return to their roles on the procedural drama series. 

A Positive Attitude - The Rookie Season 1 Episode 11

This casting shocker comes just months after the series wrote out series regular, Mercedes Mason, who played Captain Zoe Andersen. 

Andersen was killed off in the line of duty thanks to a gunshot to the neck, and it paved the way for much heartbreak for our characters. 

Related: ABC Fall Schedule: The Rookie on the Move

The Rookie failed to garner much traction in the ratings, with its freshman season averaging 4.2 million total viewers and a 0.7 rating among adults 18-49. 

As a result, it was on the bubble for much of its run, with many outlets reporting that it was close to cancellation. 

Competitive Streak - The Rookie Season 1 Episode 5

But ABC knew the show was popular and made the decision to renew it and give it a new timeslot on Sundays in the fall. 

As for what the sophomore run will be about, ABC recently released the logline. 

Related: How to Get Away with Murder: Coming to an End!

"Six months into his career as a cop, John Nolan, the oldest rookie in the LAPD, has used his life experience, determination and sense of humor to keep up with rookies 20 years his junior," it reads.

"But as he embarks on the second half of his rookie year, Nolan will be put to the test by a host of new challenges, romantic relationships and deadly criminals, as he looks to figure out what kind of cop he ultimately wants to be."

Officer Bishop Is Ready - The Rookie Season 1 Episode 2

What are your thoughts on this news? 

Are you mad?

Hit the comments below. 

Paul Dailly was an Associate Editor for TV Fanatic.Follow him on X.

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The Rookie Quotes

Tim: The Tim Tests, those don't make me like him.
Lucy: I know. You're nothing like him. Come here, you're nothing like him.

Becks handle things on their own.

Samantha