The Apothecary Diaries Season 3 & Original Movie Announced for 2026-2027!

Get ready for an incredible dose of imperial intrigue and medical mysteries! Maomao and Jinshi are officially returning for a highly anticipated third season, and if that wasn't enough, we're also getting a brand-new, original theatrical film, all launching in 2026 and 2027.

TL;DR

• Season 3 Confirmed: The Apothecary Diaries is getting a third TV anime season, split into two parts.
• New Original Film: A theatrical anime film featuring a brand-new story by original author Natsu Hyuuga is also on its way.
• Mark Your Calendars: Season 3 Part 1 premieres October 2026, the film opens December 2026, and Season 3 Part 2 arrives April 2027.

A Double Dose of Maomao: Season 3 and a Brand-New Theatrical Film are Coming!

Big news just dropped for fans of The Apothecary Diaries! To celebrate the anime's second anniversary, TOHO animation released an exciting "2nd Anniversary Commemorative Trailer" that gave us some much-awaited updates. We already knew a continuation was in the works, but now it's official: we're getting a full third television anime season and an original anime film!

The trailer, packed with English, German, Spanish, French, Korean, Portuguese, and Chinese subtitles, ensured that fans worldwide could join in the celebration. This dual announcement means more adventures with our favorite apothecary, Maomao, and the enigmatic Jinshi, promising to keep us on the edge of our seats for years to come.

Unveiling the Release Schedule: When You Can Expect More Imperial Palace Intrigue

Let's talk dates because there's a lot to look forward to! The third season of The Apothecary Diaries will be a split-cour release, meaning it will air in two distinct parts. The first part, or cours, is set to premiere in October 2026. Following that, the second part will arrive in April 2027. So, you'll have plenty of Maomao solving puzzles over two years!

But before Season 3 wraps up, get ready for a trip to the theaters! The brand-new anime film is scheduled to open its doors in December 2026. This means we'll get a movie adventure sandwiched between the two parts of Season 3, making for an incredibly packed and exciting timeline for fans.

A Cinematic Debut: An Original Story from the Creator Herself

The announcement of a theatrical film is thrilling enough, but it gets even better. This isn't just an adaptation of an existing manga arc; the film will feature a completely brand-new story penned by none other than the original novel series author, Natsu Hyuuga! This is a huge deal, offering fans a fresh, canonical adventure straight from the source.

The super teaser visual for the upcoming film shows a striking image of Maomao with a determined gaze, surrounded by what appears to be flames, with the tagline, "In those eyes flickers the ultimate mystery." This definitely hints at an intense and captivating new development. Having the original author craft a new narrative for the big screen promises a deep, authentic dive into the world of The Apothecary Diaries, ensuring it stays true to the spirit of the beloved series while exploring new territory.

The World of Maomao and Jinshi: A Quick Recap of What We Love

For those new to the imperial court or needing a refresher, The Apothecary Diaries introduces us to Maomao, a seemingly ordinary girl raised by her apothecary father. Her life takes an unexpected turn when she's kidnapped and sold into service at the hougong, the emperor's sprawling rear palace. Despite her unassuming appearance, Maomao possesses a lightning-fast wit, a sharp mind, and an encyclopedic knowledge of medicine and, more specifically, poisons.

Her secret doesn't stay secret for long, though. She soon catches the eye of Jinshi, the palace's strikingly handsome head eunuch, who is as perceptive as she is. Jinshi quickly sees through Maomao's humble façade and promotes her to a lady-in-waiting for the Emperor's favorite consort, tasking her with tasting the lady's food for poison. From there, she uses her unique talents to solve a myriad of mysterious incidents and medical puzzles within the palace, constantly pushing the boundaries of her lowly servant status.

The first season of the anime premiered in October 2023, airing for two cours. The second season followed on January 10, 2025, also running for two consecutive cours until July 4, 2025. Both seasons were streamed by Crunchyroll as they aired in Japan, complete with English dubs, making it easy for international fans to follow Maomao's journey.

What to Expect from the New Season: Ominous Signs and Expanding Horizons

Season 3 promises to escalate the stakes even further. We've learned that the new season will depict ominous signs of a natural disaster threatening the nation, hinting at a wider scope of challenges for Maomao and Jinshi. The appearance of a mysterious shrine maiden will also play a crucial role, alongside the heavy responsibilities that now fall upon Jinshi as an imperial prince.

Crucially, the story will move beyond the confines of the inner palace, venturing into the common world, where Maomao and Jinshi will face entirely new trials. Akinori Fudesaka, who masterfully helmed Season 2, will once again be directing, ensuring continuity in the anime's beloved visual style and storytelling. This expansion promises a fresh perspective on the series, exploring how our protagonists handle dilemmas outside the familiar palace walls.

The Voice of Maomao and Jinshi Share Their Excitement

The cast is just as thrilled as the fans about these massive announcements. Aoi Yuki, the voice of Maomao, couldn't contain her joy:

"I’m thrilled that I can finally say it – Season 3 and a movie! I thought Season 2 ended so beautifully that it might mark the conclusion, so I was both shocked and delighted to hear we’d continue right away. Not only that, but there’s a theatrical version too!? And an original story written by the author herself!? It’s unbelievable! I’m truly looking forward to it. I hope fans will recommend The Apothecary Diaries to their friends while waiting for the release."

Takeo Otsuka, who brings Jinshi to life, echoed her sentiments:

"Right after Season 2 ended, we announced the continuation. But now, it’s not just Season 3 – we’re also getting a movie! I can’t wait to see what kinds of stories unfold and how Maomao and Jinshi will grow. Thank you to everyone who has continued supporting this series for two years since the anime began airing. There’s still so much more fun to come, so let’s continue enjoying The Apothecary Diaries together!"

These heartfelt messages from the lead voice actors truly capture the overwhelming excitement and gratitude surrounding the continuation of this beloved series.

Beyond the Screen: Exhibitions and Special Events for Fans Worldwide

The world of The Apothecary Diaries isn't just expanding on screen; it's also coming to life through various events! The television anime's exhibition, which kicked off in Tokyo in late March 2025, is now embarking on an exciting tour across Asia. Fans in Hong Kong can catch it this November, with further stops planned for mainland China, Taipei, Bangkok, and Kuala Lumpur. The Hong Kong venue is set to host the event from November 2, 2025, to January 11, 2026, featuring new Asia-exclusive visuals and exhibit areas.

For Japanese fans, there's even more! Theatrical recap screenings will begin on February 15, 2026, across five cities in Japan. These screenings will feature six episodes every two weeks until the end of May. Special stage greetings with the cast are also planned: Aoi Yuki, Takeo Otsuka, and Takuya Kirimoto (Rakan) will appear for the Season 1 event on February 15, while Aoi Yuki, Takeo Otsuka, and Asami Seto (Shisui / Loulan) will attend the Season 2 event on April 12.

And if you're looking for a party, mark your calendars for August 15, 2026! The first major live event for the series, titled "The Apothecary Diaries Special Event – Summer Garden Party 2026," will take place at the Pacifico Yokohama National Hall. This grand event will feature live dubbing performances from Seasons 1 and 2, a new drama reading, and engaging cast talks. In addition to Aoi Yuki and Takeo Otsuka, a star-studded lineup of six more voice actors will be there: Katsuyuki Konishi (Gaoshun), Atsumi Tanezaki (Gyokuyo), Asami Seto (Shisui / Loulan), Misaki Kuno (Xiaolan), Tatsumaru Tachibana (Basen), and Toshiyuki Toyonaga (Rahan). Priority tickets for this exclusive event are included with Season 2 Blu-ray Volume 4, which went on sale on October 15, 2025, with applications open until January 31, 2026.

From Web Novel to Worldwide Sensation: The Journey of The Apothecary Diaries

The Apothecary Diaries began its life as a web novel, with author Natsu Hyuuga first serializing the story on the "Shōsetsuka ni Narō" (Let's Become Novelists) website back in October 2011. Its popularity quickly led to its print publication as a light novel series by Shufunotomo in August 2014, featuring beautiful illustrations by Touko Shino.

The series then branched into two manga adaptations. Nekokurage launched an ongoing manga in Square Enix's Monthly Big Gangan magazine in May 2017, which has garnered immense popularity. Another manga adaptation, written and illustrated by Minoji Kurata, also exists. For English-speaking fans, J-Novel Club publishes the digital versions of the light novels, while Square Enix Manga & Books releases both the print novels and Nekokurage's manga adaptation, making it accessible to a global audience.

This incredible journey from a humble web novel to a multi-season anime and now an original film is a testament to the captivating storytelling, unique characters, and intricate world-building that Natsu Hyuuga created. The dedication of TOHO animation and the entire production committee to expand this universe is truly a gift to its ever-growing fanbase.

With a third season set to delve deeper into national threats and Jinshi's imperial duties, and an original movie promising a fresh, cinematic experience, The Apothecary Diaries is poised to continue its reign as one of the most beloved historical mystery anime. Get ready for more Maomao, more mysteries, and an unforgettable journey into the imperial court!

Frequently Asked Questions About The Apothecary Diaries' Future

• When does The Apothecary Diaries Season 3 release? Season 3 will be released in two parts: Part 1 premieres in October 2026, and Part 2 premieres in April 2027.
• Will there be a The Apothecary Diaries movie? Yes! An original theatrical anime film, with a new story written by original author Natsu Hyuuga, is scheduled to open in December 2026.
• Where can I watch The Apothecary Diaries anime? Seasons 1 and 2 of The Apothecary Diaries are available to stream on Crunchyroll, which also streams the English dub.
• Who wrote the original story for The Apothecary Diaries? The original light novel series and the new theatrical film's story are both written by Natsu Hyuuga.

Sources

• News: The Apothecary Diaries Anime Confirms Season 3, Original Film in 2026
• The Apothecary Diaries Season 3 and Theatrical Film Announced: The Film Features an All-New Story Written by the Original Author
• "The Apothecary Diaries" to Release 2nd Anniversary PV with Latest Updates on October 22!
• The Apothecary Diaries Anime Announces Season 3 Release Dates and Original Film
• The Apothecary Diaries Season 3 & Original New Movie Announced for 2026-2027
• The Apothecary Diaries Surprises Fans with Season 3 Premiere Dates and Theatrical Film Adaptation