Fans of The Apothecary Diaries — get ready to mix your medicine and pour some tea, because Maomao is officially returning! TOHO Animation has announced that The Apothecary Diaries Season 3 is on the way, along with a brand-new anime film in 2026.
The news arrived with a stunning 2nd Anniversary Commemorative Trailer, complete with multilingual subtitles, celebrating the series’ worldwide popularity.
According to the announcement, Season 3 will be split into two cours: the first part airs in October 2026, and the second part follows in April 2027.
Between those two seasons, an original anime film written by series creator Natsu Hyūga will premiere in December 2026, promising fresh, canon-level storytelling that will expand Maomao’s mysterious world even further.
From the streets of the imperial capital to the hidden chambers of the palace, fans are buzzing with excitement — because The Apothecary Diaries isn’t just returning; it’s about to redefine how historical mystery anime should be done.
Season 3: Official Release Schedule
The Apothecary Diaries Season 3 is shaping up to be a global anime event. TOHO Animation confirmed that the upcoming season will be released in two cours (two separate broadcast halves) — a trend often used for high-quality productions.
- First Cour: October 2026
- Second Cour: April 2027
This structure suggests a strong commitment to maintaining the show’s high production values, detailed world-building, and complex storytelling that fans loved in the first two seasons. Viewers can expect Season 3 to pick up right where Season 2 left off, with Maomao delving deeper into the palace’s mysteries and political intrigues.
While no trailer for Season 3 has been released yet, the commemorative anniversary video teased glimpses of key artwork and voiceover hints from Maomao and Jinshi.
The visuals stay faithful to the show’s rich historical tone — intricate costumes, dimly lit chambers, and that unmistakable aura of suspense that defines The Apothecary Diaries.
With TOHO Animation leading the production, expectations are sky-high for another season filled with elegance, danger, and clever deduction.
The Apothecary Diaries Anime Film Announced for December 2026
Perhaps the most exciting part of the announcement is the reveal of a The Apothecary Diaries anime film, scheduled to hit theaters in December 2026.
What makes this film extra special is that it won’t just be a recap or filler — it’s an original story crafted by none other than Natsu Hyūga, the author of the original light novel series.
That detail alone sent fans into a frenzy. An author-written story means this film will be canon, directly expanding on the lore of Maomao’s world. It’s expected to explore untold aspects of palace life, new mysteries involving medicine and politics, and possibly shed light on Jinshi’s enigmatic past — a subject fans have been desperate to see animated.
Given TOHO Animation’s track record with cinematic projects, the film is expected to boast breathtaking visuals, emotional storytelling, and possibly even a theatrical soundtrack reimagining Maomao’s signature themes.
Whether it’s a side story or a continuation remains unconfirmed, but one thing’s for sure — this isn’t a film you’ll want to skip if you’re following the series.
TOHO Animation’s Global Celebration
To celebrate the massive success of The Apothecary Diaries, TOHO Animation has launched an exhibition tour across Asia, starting November 2025 in Hong Kong.
The exhibition will later travel to mainland China, Taipei, Bangkok, Kuala Lumpur, and other major cities, showcasing exclusive artwork, production notes, character sketches, and voice actor commentary.
The traveling exhibition reflects just how globally beloved the series has become. It’s not often that a historical mystery anime receives this kind of international attention.
For many fans, it’s a sign that The Apothecary Diaries has transcended its niche beginnings to become a true cultural export — something Japan is proud to share with the world.
Merchandise and exclusive art prints from the exhibitions are already rumored to include special illustrations of Maomao, Jinshi, and key palace characters in never-before-seen outfits. If the exhibition follows TOHO’s past events, expect behind-the-scenes interviews and maybe even sneak peeks of Season 3 materials.
A Quick Recap: From Maomao’s Kidnapping to Her Rise in the Palace
For newcomers or those who need a refresher, The Apothecary Diaries follows Maomao, a sharp-tongued, highly intelligent apothecary who gets kidnapped and sold into the Emperor’s rear palace — a sprawling world of politics, poison, and secrets.
Her medical expertise and fearless attitude quickly draw the attention of Jinshi, the beautiful and mysterious head eunuch, who assigns her the delicate job of food taster for the Emperor’s favorite consort.
Over time, Maomao uncovers dark mysteries surrounding the palace, solves life-threatening cases using her apothecary skills, and begins forming an uneasy bond with Jinshi. The show masterfully blends medical knowledge, deduction, and character psychology, all set within a lush, pseudo-Chinese imperial court.
The first season aired in October 2023, running for two cours (24 episodes). The second season aired from January 2025 to July 2025, continuing Maomao’s journey deeper into the palace hierarchy. Both seasons were streamed on Crunchyroll with English dubs, introducing the series to a global audience.
The Story’s Origins and Global Success
The Apothecary Diaries began as a web novel by Natsu Hyūga, first serialized on the “Shōsetsuka ni Narō” (Let’s Become Novelists) website in 2011. Due to its immense popularity, Shufunotomo began publishing it in print in 2014, featuring stunning illustrations by Shino.
Later, a manga adaptation by Nekokurage launched in Square Enix’s Monthly Big Gangan magazine in May 2017, further boosting its fame. The manga and light novels are being published in English by Square Enix Manga & Books, while J-Novel Club handles the digital releases.
What started as a quiet, character-driven mystery quickly became one of the most acclaimed modern historical anime. Fans praise it for its balance of intellectual storytelling, humor, and subtle emotional depth — a rare trifecta that few shows manage to pull off.
The anime adaptation by TOHO Animation and OLM Studios captured the novels’ atmosphere perfectly — detailed traditional costumes, realistic medicine-based plots, and the chemistry between Maomao and Jinshi that fans can’t stop shipping.
Why Fans Are Hyped for Season 3
If Season 2 was about expanding Maomao’s world, Season 3 promises to shatter the palace walls entirely. Fans expect the new season to dive into political conspiracies, new courtiers, and long-awaited character backstories.
Natsu Hyūga’s novels are known for weaving together complex threads of mystery and emotion, and the upcoming arc is rumored to focus more heavily on Maomao’s family history, her connection to the imperial court, and the truth behind Jinshi’s identity — one of the series’ longest-running secrets.
The official teaser trailer released by TOHO Animation didn’t give away much, but the final shot of Maomao gazing at the palace with her usual sly grin says it all: “The game’s not over yet.”
Fans on Japanese and Western social media alike have been exploding with reactions, calling it “the perfect mix of Sherlock Holmes and ancient court drama.” Reddit threads are already speculating about the new storylines that could lead directly into the December 2026 film.
The Apothecary Diaries Movie: What to Expect
Now let’s talk about that December 2026 movie — arguably one of the most anticipated anime films in the pipeline.
Because the film’s story is being written by Natsu Hyūga herself, it’s expected to fit perfectly within the anime’s continuity. This could mean a side story featuring Maomao investigating a new case in a different region or perhaps exploring her time before entering the palace.
Some fans speculate it may highlight Jinshi’s life behind the curtain, finally giving viewers insight into his secret status and true role within the empire. Others think it’ll be a grand, emotional case that ties into Season 3’s themes of loyalty, deception, and fate.
Given TOHO’s history of delivering cinematic excellence (My Hero Academia: World Heroes’ Mission, Jujutsu Kaisen 0, Haikyuu!! The Dumpster Battle), expectations for the film’s visuals, music, and storytelling are sky-high.
The combination of Hyūga’s writing, TOHO’s animation, and the series’ loyal fanbase might just make this one of 2026’s biggest anime releases.
A Worldwide Phenomenon
What truly makes The Apothecary Diaries special is how universally it’s been embraced. It’s not just another palace drama — it’s a slow-burn mystery series that rewards careful viewers with clever twists, emotional payoffs, and intelligent writing.
The show’s themes — curiosity, truth-seeking, and social hierarchy — resonate deeply with audiences across different cultures. Maomao isn’t your typical anime heroine; she’s analytical, blunt, a little chaotic, and utterly human. That’s what makes her stand out in a sea of overpowered protagonists.
It’s no surprise that The Apothecary Diaries continues to dominate streaming charts, art communities, and fan discussions years after its debut. With Season 3 and the movie on the horizon, this franchise isn’t slowing down anytime soon.
Conclusion
From a humble web novel to a global anime sensation, The Apothecary Diaries has become one of the most elegant and intellectually satisfying series in modern anime.
With Season 3 airing across 2026–2027 and an original film dropping in December 2026, fans are in for a double dose of mystery, medicine, and Maomao’s mischievous genius.
Whether you’re a long-time fan or just discovering the series, this upcoming era promises to be The Apothecary Diaries’ most ambitious chapter yet.
So, mark your calendars — October 2026, December 2026, and April 2027. Maomao’s not done diagnosing the palace just yet.
FAQs
1. When will The Apothecary Diaries Season 3 be released?
Season 3’s first cour will air in October 2026, with the second cour following in April 2027.
2. Is there a The Apothecary Diaries movie coming out?
Yes! An original anime film written by the light novel’s author Natsu Hyūga will premiere in December 2026.
3. Where can I watch The Apothecary Diaries anime?
Both previous seasons are available for streaming on Crunchyroll, including English dubbed versions.
4. Is the movie canon to the main story?
Yes, since the film’s story is being written by Natsu Hyūga herself, it is expected to be canon and fit within the anime’s continuity.
5. What is The Apothecary Diaries about?
The story follows Maomao, a clever apothecary who becomes a servant in the imperial palace and uses her medical and detective skills to solve intricate mysteries while navigating the dangerous world of court politics.
