Can’t get enough of Jinshi? For the first time ever, he’ll be coming to the big screen, frog and all. The Apothecary Diaries Season 3 and original movie has been confirmed for a 2026 release following the conclusion of Season 1 and Season 2.
The Apothecary Diaries Season 3 first cour starts airing in October 2026 while its second cour begins in April 2027. The Apothecary Diaries movie’s theatrical release takes place in December 2026.
The Apothecary Diaries Season 3 and movie dates
| THE APOTHECARY DIARIES | RELEASE DATE |
| Season 3 | October 2026 (first cour) April 2027 (second cour) |
| Movie | December 2026 |
As of writing there’s no announcement on end dates or how the movie might be connected to its third season. The last big anime title that took a chance on a non-canon original movie was Spy x Family’s Code White that also had a winter release in December 2023.
If you want something to quench your Apothecary Diaries hunger, you still have time to fly to Universal Studios Japan in Osaka to catch The Apothecary Diaries Mystery Walk: A Dose of Deception that runs until January 4, 2026.
With an investigation booklet in hand, guests will search for clues and solve puzzles alongside Maomao on a special assignment from Jinshi. The adventure concludes with a heartwarming greeting from Maomao and Jinshi themselves, a perfect reward for budding sleuths and fans alike.
Prefer to stay grounded? Don’t miss The Apothecary Diaries Exhibition as it tours across Asia, with stops in Hong Kong, China, Bangkok, and Kuala Lumpur. Its first stop in Hong Kong runs from November 22, 2025 to January 11, 2026.
The Apothecary Diaries anime is based on the popular light novel series of the same title. Written by Natsu Hyuga, it began serialization online in 2011 and was later published as a light novel in 2014.
It follows Maomao, a pragmatic young apothecary from the pleasure district who is kidnapped and sold into service at the Emperor’s Rear Palace. Despite her low position as a mere laundry maid, her exceptional knowledge of medicine and poisons allows her to solve a crisis when the Emperor’s infants and consorts fall ill.
Her success, initially anonymous, captures the attention of the beautiful and influential eunuch Jinshi, who subsequently promotes her to a lady-in-waiting and food taster for the Emperor’s favorite concubine, Lady Gyokuyou.
