Parijat Ghosh Anime fans, rejoice — your favorite poison-loving palace girl is returning! The Apothecary Diaries is officially getting a Season 3, and surprise, there’s also a movie on the way. Yep, Maomao’s about to own the big screen and your watchlist again.
Season 3: Double the Drama, Split in Two
Season 3 is going full-scale. It’ll air in two parts, meaning double the palace chaos.
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Part 1: October 2026
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Part 2: April 2027
That’s almost a full year of The Apothecary Diaries, just split neatly with a gap in between. The structure isn’t random — studios love this “split-cour” setup because it keeps fans hyped while giving animators time to polish things up.
So, if you were already obsessed with Maomao’s brilliant detective work and that unbothered attitude of hers, prepare for more poison bottles, royal secrets, and suspiciously charming courtiers.
A Surprise Movie Between Seasons
Now for the best twist — there’s a theatrical movie coming in December 2026, right between the two halves of the new season.
Even better? It’s not just a recap or filler. The film will feature an original story written by the series’ author, Natsu Hyūga. So, this is official canon content — the kind that might connect the two parts of Season 3 or give us a deeper dive into Maomao’s mysterious world.
Imagine it: palace politics, medical mysteries, and possibly new characters — all with that classy historical flair. Consider our tickets pre-booked.
Why Fans Are Losing It
The Apothecary Diaries has been one of the most unique anime in recent years. It’s not just another fantasy — it’s a blend of mystery, medicine, and monarchy, set in a fictional empire inspired by ancient China.
Maomao, a commoner with encyclopedic medical knowledge and zero patience for nonsense, ends up working inside the imperial palace. There, she solves everything from mysterious illnesses to deadly conspiracies — often while side-eyeing the nobles who underestimate her.
With the upcoming movie and split-season release, the creators seem to be treating this arc like a major upgrade — something more ambitious, almost cinematic in scope.
What to Expect
We’ll likely see more of Maomao’s complicated dynamic with Jinshi (yes, the ever-perfect pretty boy), more political chess moves, and maybe some long-awaited answers about her past. The movie might even bridge a storyline that’s too grand for TV pacing. I mean, season 2 was pretty intense. Both from the intense romantic tension and the traumatising flashbacks of Jinshi’s past.
And let’s be honest — the art and atmosphere alone are reason enough to tune in.
Season 3 Part 1 in October 2026, movie in December 2026, and Part 2 in April 2027 — that’s a packed timeline and a dream comeback for fans. So yeah, sharpen your deduction skills and stock up on herbal teas. Maomao’s mysteries are back, and this time, she’s bringing them straight to theaters.
If you have any questions regarding Apothecary Diaries, feel free to ask in the comments below. For more content, stay tuned. As usual, like, subscribe, and share our articles as we here are trying to build a community of people High on Cinema!
