The Apothecary Diaries returns with season 3 and a new original movie

One of the most popular anime series of recent years is set to return. TOHO Animation has announced that The Apothecary Diaries will receive a third season as part of its second anniversary celebrations, although fans of the series will have to wait a while longer.

As part of the celebration video, it was announced that Season 3 will be divided into two cours, with the first part premiering in October 2026 and the second in April 2027, thus ensuring constant content.

The video shows a retrospective of key moments from the first and second seasons, accompanied by all the series’ opening themes. The big reveal at the end of the trailer was not only the new season but also an original movie, which will feature a completely new story by original author Natsu Hyūga, with a release date set for December 2026.

What is The Apothecary Diaries about?

In the East is a land ruled by an emperor, whose consorts and serving women live in a sprawling complex known as the hougong, the rear palace. Maomao, an unassuming girl raised in an unassuming town by her apothecary father, never imagined the rear palace would have anything to do with her—until she was kidnapped and sold into service there.

Though she looks ordinary, Maomao has a quick wit, a sharp mind, and an extensive knowledge of medicine. That’s her secret, until she encounters a resident of the palace at least as perceptive as she is: the head eunuch, Jinshi. He sees through Maomao’s façade and makes her a lady-in-waiting to none other than the Emperor’s favorite consort... so she can taste the lady’s food for poison!

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