The Apothecary Diaries Season 3 Gets Release Date, New Movie Announced

By Elijah Gonzalez  |  October 22, 2025 | 2:00pm
Anime News the apothecary diaries
The Apothecary Diaries Season 3 Gets Release Date, New Movie Announced

The Apothecary Diaries enthusiasts continue to be some of the luckiest anime fans around, because today we got a release month for the upcoming third season of the show. On top of this, there was also the announcement of an original theatrical film written by the author of the source material herself, Natsu Hyūga. The teaser visual for the announcement can be seen below.

Anime-style poster depicts a young woman with long green hair and large blue eyes in a serious expression, wearing traditional green attire with a high collar, positioned against a vibrant yellow and orange fiery background suggesting intensity and mystery, with overlaid Japanese title text 薬屋のひとりごと and production credits including TOHO animation studio and broadcast schedule from October 2024 to April 2026.

The third season will be released in a split-cour format with the first batch of episodes coming out in October 2026, and the second in April 2027. Presumably, both batches will be 12 episodes each, as the show has done in the past. While we had already received confirmation earlier this year that there would be a third season of the series, this is the first we’ve heard of a release window. Meanwhile, the film is slated for December 2026.

The announcement came as part of the show’s second anniversary trailer, which also included a hint about what the next season (or maybe the movie) will entail. “I’ve had a bit of a concern about this region,” we hear Jinshi say as the camera shows what looks like swaying wheat. “What is this sense of unease?” Maomao replies. “The story enters a new frontier,” states the announcer, to which Maomao says, “I must go.” All of this seems to imply that the next season may take place outside of the imperial palace, much like parts of season 2 did.

For those who’ve never heard of the show, Crunchyroll provides the following plot synopsis: “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!”

The Apothecary Diaries began as a self-published light novel series on the website Shōsetsuka ni Narō in 2011. Afterwards, it was picked up by publisher Shufunotomo, where it has run since 2014 for a total of 16 volumes. In 2017, the series received a pair of manga adaptations, which have gone for 15 and 20 volumes, respectively.

Then, in October 2023, the anime adaptation from Toho Animation Studio and OLM began with a 24-episode season that ran into 2024, followed by a second season in 2025. We listed the first season as our favorite anime of 2024, and the second season is our favorite of 2025 so far.

For context, the fact that we’re receiving three seasons over such a brief time span is as unusual as it is impressive, especially considering the very high visual quality of the adaptation thus far. It likely speaks to the fact that Toho Animation Studio and OLM planned on the show being a hit and locked up key staff far in advance. Whatever the specific reason, Maomao superfans are likely quite appreciative.

You can watch the full second anniversary video below:

 
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