🌸The Apothecary Diaries Season 3 & Movie – Release Dates, Story Details, Staff, and Everything We Know (2026–2027 Guide)

The world of The Apothecary Diaries continues to expand — and fans can officially mark their calendars, because 2026 and 2027 are going to be massive years for Maomao and Jinshi. After two critically acclaimed anime seasons, the franchise is returning with Season 3 and its first-ever anime film, produced once again by the powerhouse teams at TOHO animation STUDIO and OLM.

With its intricate blend of historical mystery, palace intrigue, medical drama, and slow-burn chemistry, The Apothecary Diaries has become one of the most talked-about anime of the decade. Now, its highly anticipated next chapter is confirmed — and expectations are sky-high.

Here’s your complete, evergreen guide to The Apothecary Diaries Season 3, the new movie, and everything we know so far.

🗓️ Official Release Dates

📺 The Apothecary Diaries Season 3

• Part 1: October 2026

• Part 2: April 2027

Season 3 is confirmed as a two-cour split season, meaning fans will enjoy two separate arcs over several months.

🎥 The Apothecary Diaries Movie

• Movie Release: December 2026

• Features a brand-new original story written by series author Hyūganatsu.

This will be the series’ first theatrical film, signaling the franchise’s growing global popularity.

🔎 The Apothecary Diaries – Series Overview (For New Readers)

Based on the hit light novel series (Kusuriya no Hitorigoto) by Hyūganatsu and illustrated by Touko Shino, The Apothecary Diaries is set in a fictional empire inspired by Imperial China. The story follows Maomao, a sharp-witted girl raised in the red-light district by her apothecary father. After being kidnapped and sold to the Imperial Palace, she plans to serve quietly until her contract ends — but her brilliance refuses to stay hidden.

Using her medical and pharmacological knowledge, Maomao begins unraveling mysterious illnesses, palace secrets, attempted poisonings, and political intrigue, all while catching the attention of the beautiful yet enigmatic eunuch Jinshi.

With its award-winning mix of drama, mystery, medical cases, cultural detail, and character development, the series is now considered one of the most important anime adaptations of the 2020s.

🎬 Season 3 – What to Expect (Story Breakdown)

Season 3 is expected to adapt the next major arcs from the light novels, continuing Maomao’s rise from palace servant to one of the most influential problem-solvers in the inner court.

Fans can anticipate:

🧪 More palace mysteries

Poisonings, illnesses, lies, and cover-ups — Maomao’s specialty.

💫 Major Jinshi revelations

His identity, his origins, and his future finally step into the spotlight.

🏯 Deeper imperial politics

Factions within the palace become more dangerous as relationships shift.

❤️ The slow-burn romance intensifying

The tension between Maomao and Jinshi is set to reach new, emotional heights.

🎭 High-stakes investigations

Several fan-favorite cases from the novels are expected to appear, involving nobles, courtesans, conspiracies, and hidden motives.

Season 3 contains some of the most dramatic, emotional, and game-changing moments in the entire story.

🎥 The Apothecary Diaries Movie — What We Know

Announced in October 2025, the upcoming film will feature a brand-new original storyline written by the series’ creator. This means:

• No spoilers for anime-only viewers

• A completely fresh mystery

• New characters and a standalone case

• High theatrical production quality

• Exclusive animation sequences not found in the TV series

Given OLM’s animation level in Seasons 1 and 2, the movie is expected to deliver beautiful palace visuals, intense medical scenes, and cinematic emotional beats.

🎨 Animation Studio & Staff – Returning Excellence

Both TOHO animation STUDIO and OLM return, ensuring consistency in art, character motion, and dramatic tone.

Animation & Staff

• Studio: TOHO animation STUDIO × OLM

• Director (Season 2): Akinori Fudesaka

• Music: Satoru Kōsaki, Kevin Penkin, Alisa Okehazama

• Character Designs: Yukiko Nakatani

• Series Composition: Norihiro Naganuma (Season 1)

The soundtrack — one of the most praised elements of the anime — will continue under the same legendary composers.

🌍 International Streaming & Availability

✔ Crunchyroll

Streams the series worldwide outside:

• Asia

• South Asia

• The Middle East

• CIS territories

They will almost certainly stream Season 3 and may acquire the movie after its theatrical window.

✔ Netflix

Streams the anime in select Asian regions.

✔ Blu-ray Releases

Past seasons received Blu-ray releases shortly after airing, so Season 3 and the movie are expected to get physical releases between 2027–2028.

📚 Why The Apothecary Diaries Became a

Global Phenomenon

The anime exploded in popularity because it offers something rare:

• A female lead who is brilliant, flawed, and deeply human

• Medical mystery cases grounded in real herbal science

• A setting inspired by Chinese dynasties

• Rich political and cultural intrigue

• A romance that simmers rather than shouts

• A world where intellect, not brute force, drives the plot

Its careful pacing and detailed storytelling have earned praise from anime fans, historians, and critics alike.

🌟 Final Verdict — Why Season 3 & The Movie Are a Big Deal

2026–2027 might be the biggest period for The Apothecary Diaries yet. With a new split-cour season, a theatrical film, enhanced animation quality, and some of the most emotionally charged story arcs ahead, fans are in for a layered, beautiful, and unforgettable viewing experience.

Season 3 will challenge Maomao more than ever.

The movie will expand the universe with an original tale.

And the entire franchise is poised to grow into a global anime giant.

If you love historical mysteries, intelligent female leads, and elegant storytelling — this is the anime to watch.