The Apothecary Diaries is coming back for its third season, and fans finally know exactly when they can see Maomao and Jinshi again. The popular anime series will return on Friday, October 2, 2026, with a brand new trailer, key visual, and additional cast members revealed during a special event.
The third season will air in two parts. The first part starts in October 2026, and the second part will follow in April 2027. Between these two halves, the franchise will also release its first theatrical movie, The Apothecary Diaries: The Deceased Empress’ Treasure, which opens in Japanese cinemas on December 11, 2026.
The new season’s story moves beyond the imperial palace walls. Maomao finds something strange when she sees grasshoppers served at breakfast and starts looking into what they really mean. At the same time, Jinshi faces his duties as the Emperor’s younger brother and deals with troubling signs that disaster might be coming to the country. A mysterious figure called Bai Niangniang, voiced by Reina Ueda, adds more confusion to the situation.
Trailer and Opening Theme Released
TOHO Animation released the first full trailer for Season 3 on Saturday, August 15, 2026. The trailer gives viewers a look at the new challenges waiting for Maomao and Jinshi, including scenes that take place outside the palace and in a neighboring country.
The opening theme song for the third season is called “Kumo wo Nuke Kazashita e Watashi Dake,” performed by the Japanese band Yorushika. Yorushika has worked with the franchise before, and their music fits the show’s mix of mystery and drama.
New Cast Member Joins Season 3
Reina Ueda, who currently plays Hana Usami in Black Torch, will voice the new character Bai Niangniang in Season 3. Bai Niangniang is described as a mysterious fairy whose true identity and purpose remain unknown.
“She’s a mysterious girl whose true identity and purpose are shrouded in mystery,” Ueda said. “I was nervous during my first voice recording session, but the interactions between Maomao and the others, and the overall atmosphere, were so enjoyable that before I knew it, I was listening intently as a viewer.”
Ueda also talked about the show’s balance of serious moments and comedy, saying, “The balance between seriousness and comedy is exquisite, and I think it’s a show where you can enjoy peeking into a part of Maomao and the others’ lives.”
Production Staff Returns for Season 3
The main production team from Season 2 is back for the third season. Akinori Fudesaka returns as director, with Ko Nakagawa as assistant director. Norihiro Naganuma handles series composition. The writing team includes Yuko Kakihara, Misuzu Chiba, and Hitomi Ogawa.
Yukiko Nakatani continues as character designer. The music team includes Satoru Kosaki, Kevin Penkin, and Arisa Okehazama. Animation production is handled by OLM.
First Theatrical Movie Coming in December
Between the two parts of Season 3, the franchise will release its first theatrical movie. The Apothecary Diaries: The Deceased Empress’ Treasure opens in Japanese theaters on December 11, 2026.
The movie features a brand new story written by Natsu Hyūga, the author of the original light novel series. The story follows Maomao and Jinshi as they travel to the homeland of a concubine who died five years ago to bring her remains home. Along the way, they encounter pirates, hidden treasure, and mysteries surrounding the late empress’s remains.
Where to Watch The Apothecary Diaries
Crunchyroll will stream The Apothecary Diaries Season 3 in multiple regions, including North America, Central America, South America, Europe, Africa, Oceania, the Middle East, the CIS region, and the Indian subcontinent. The show will air on Japanese television as part of the FRIDAY ANIME NIGHT block on NTV and 29 affiliated channels.
Previous seasons of The Apothecary Diaries are available to stream on Crunchyroll.
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About The Apothecary Diaries
The Apothecary Diaries is based on the light novel series by Natsu Hyūga, which started as a web novel in October 2011. The first season of the anime premiered in October 2023, and the second season followed in January 2025. Each season has 24 episodes.
The story follows Maomao, a young woman with knowledge of medicine who gets sold into service at the emperor’s palace. Her skills catch the attention of Jinshi, a palace official, and she starts solving medical mysteries within the palace walls.
The franchise has grown significantly. Total circulation of The Apothecary Diaries had topped 45 million copies by the end of 2025. The manga’s 16th volume was the fifth-best-selling title in Japan in the first half of 2026, selling more than 474,000 copies.
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