The beloved anime The Apothecary Diaries celebrated its 2nd anniversary with a special announcement video, delighting fans with major updates about its future. The video, released on October 22, 2025, confirmed that the previously announced sequel will take the form of a third season, set to air in two split cours, alongside the reveal of an original anime film with a brand-new story. These announcements mark an exciting expansion for the historical drama series, which continues to captivate audiences with its intricate storytelling and vibrant characters.
The third season of The Apothecary Diaries will unfold in two parts, with the first cour premiering in October 2026 and the second following in April 2027. This split-cour format allows for a prolonged engagement with the series, giving fans ample time to immerse themselves in the world of Maomao and her medical mysteries. The announcement, shared through the 2nd anniversary video, underscores the production team’s commitment to delivering a carefully crafted continuation of the story, building on the success of the first two seasons.
In addition to Season 3, an original anime film for The Apothecary Diaries was announced, slated for a theatrical release in December 2026. The film will feature an all-new story penned by Natsu Hyuuga, the original author of the light novel series, ensuring authenticity to the source material’s tone and themes. This marks a significant milestone for the franchise, as it ventures into the cinematic realm with a fresh narrative that promises to expand the world of the imperial palace and its intriguing inhabitants.
Accompanying the announcements, a striking teaser visual for The Apothecary Diaries Season 3 and the upcoming film was unveiled. The super teaser visual showcases the series’ signature aesthetic, blending elegance and mystery with its depiction of key characters set against a backdrop that hints at the drama to come. This visual serves as a tantalizing glimpse into the tone and style fans can expect from both the new season and the film, further heightening anticipation.
On the same day, the anime released its latest monthly seasonal visual, themed around sweet osmanthus. This vibrant artwork features characters Bisen, Likahu, and Jinshi, capturing the essence of the series’ intricate character dynamics and lush aesthetic. The sweet osmanthus visual, with its nod to seasonal beauty, complements the anniversary announcements, offering fans a delightful glimpse into the world of The Apothecary Diaries as they await the new season and film.
The Apothecary Diaries anime is helmed by director Norihiko Naganuma, known for his work on The Ancient Magus’ Bride, who also serves as the series composer. Assisting him is Akinori Fudesaka, director of Tsuredure Children, with production handled by TOHO animation STUDIO and OLM. The original light novels, written by Natsu Hyuuga and illustrated by Touko Shino, provide the foundation for the anime’s rich storytelling.
Crunchyroll describes The Apothecary Diaries as follows:
Maomao lived a peaceful life with her apothecary father. Until one day, she’s sold as a lowly servant to the emperor’s palace. But she wasn’t meant for a compliant life among royalty. So when imperial heirs fall ill, she decides to step in and find a cure! This catches the eye of Jinshi, a handsome palace official who promotes her. Now, she’s making a name for herself solving medical mysteries!
Since its debut, The Apothecary Diaries has garnered acclaim for its unique blend of historical drama, mystery, and character-driven storytelling. The series’ exploration of Maomao’s journey from a lowly servant to a key figure in the imperial court has resonated with audiences worldwide. With Season 3 and an original film on the horizon, the franchise is poised to further cement its place as a standout in the anime landscape.
The announcements from the 2nd anniversary video signal an exciting future for The Apothecary Diaries, promising fans more of Maomao’s adventures in both serialized and cinematic formats. As the premiere dates approach, anticipation continues to build for the next chapter in this captivating tale.
