The popular anime series The Apothecary Diaries is set to return with its highly anticipated third season in Fall 2026. This announcement follows the conclusion of the second season in July 2025, which wrapped up with a teaser for an upcoming sequel. While the teaser hinted at exciting developments, it did not provide specific release dates or further details.
Celebrating its second anniversary, the series revealed that the next installment will be divided into two cours. The first cour is expected to premiere in the first or second week of October 2026, while the second cour is scheduled to follow in Spring 2027, after a brief winter hiatus.
New Challenges Await in Season 3
The third season will adapt the narrative from Volume 5 of Natsu Hyuga’s acclaimed light novel series. In this upcoming season, the central characters, Jinshi and Maomao, will venture beyond the palace to investigate a series of mysterious incidents affecting northern farming villages. This narrative shift signals a new chapter in their evolving relationship, which has garnered significant interest from fans.
The second season of The Apothecary Diaries showcased substantial growth in the romantic tension between Maomao and Jinshi, particularly against the backdrop of the Shi Clan’s failed rebellion. Following the rebellion, Maomao returned to the Verdigris House to continue her work as an apothecary, while Jinshi embraced his responsibilities as the Moon Prince, dealing with the aftermath of the clan’s downfall.
As the story progresses, Jinshi will rely on Maomao’s expertise as they confront new challenges together. Their dynamic will continue to develop, as Jinshi seeks to uncover the source of the troubles plaguing the villages. Although Maomao has distanced herself from palace duties, she remains in contact with Jinshi, who frequently visits her.
Fan Engagement and Upcoming Features
While fans eagerly await the anime’s return, the series has kept their interest piqued by releasing new visuals. Traditionally, special occasions like Valentine’s Day provide opportunities for promotional content, and last year’s visual of Maomao teaching Xiaolan how to make chocolates was particularly well-received. However, many fans expressed disappointment this year, as no new visual was released to commemorate the day.
In addition to the new season, fans can look forward to the franchise’s first feature film, which will explore an original story by Hyuga. This film aims to further enrich the world of The Apothecary Diaries and offer audiences fresh narratives beyond the existing anime adaptation.
As anticipation builds, viewers can catch up on the first two seasons, available for streaming on platforms like Crunchyroll and Netflix. With a rich narrative and beloved characters, the return of The Apothecary Diaries is poised to attract both long-time fans and newcomers alike.
