‘The Apothecary Diaries’ Season 3 Release Date, Time, Trailer and Where to Watch

Fans of court intrigue can finally breathe a sigh of relief. The next chapter of ‘The Apothecary Diaries’ is just around the corner, with the highly anticipated third season set to debut tomorrow. After a lengthy period filled with rumors and speculation, the schedule is now confirmed.

Here’s everything you need to know about the release date, airtime, streaming options, and the latest trailer. Whether you’re a long-time fan of Maomao’s palace mysteries or a newcomer eager to catch up, this guide has you covered.

The third season is scheduled to premiere on October 2, 2026, and it comes with a new trailer that showcases Maomao and Jinshi venturing beyond the familiar confines of the imperial palace. This makes it one of the most eagerly awaited launches in the fall anime lineup.

The season will be released as a split cour, with the first half airing this fall and the second half resuming in April 2027. This means fans can enjoy a steady stream of episodes now, followed by a brief hiatus before the story continues.

This structure was first revealed at a special second anniversary event last October. The extended lead time has allowed the production team to build anticipation, evident in the high quality of the promotional materials.

The previous season aired from January 10 to July 4, 2025, so viewers have been eagerly awaiting Maomao’s return for over a year.

The third season will air on October 2 at 11 p.m. in Japan, maintaining the original broadcast slot that sets the standard for everything else. Fans in different time zones will need to adjust accordingly.

However, there is a caveat to keep in mind. The official notice indicates that the broadcast time may change, and the exact streaming time on Crunchyroll is still marked as to be announced. It’s advisable to check the service directly before settling in on premiere night.

The episode count for the season has yet to be revealed, and there is no individual episode calendar available. This means it’s still unclear how many weeks the first half will run before the break.

As for where to watch, the answer is straightforward. Crunchyroll will stream episodes worldwide as they air. The service has confirmed it will include the season in North America and other international territories as part of its fall lineup.

For those who need to catch up, the first two seasons, totaling 48 episodes, are available for viewing on Crunchyroll. The platform also offers an English dub for the earlier seasons.

Dub fans should manage their expectations for premiere night, as the English dub date for the new season has not yet been announced, and there’s no guarantee of a same-day release.

If you prefer the source material, J-Novel Club publishes the official English digital light novels and provides a preview on its series page. New viewers should start with the first season, then move on to the second before diving into the new episodes.

In terms of what to expect next, the cast and crew will feature many familiar faces. Aoi Yuki and Takeo Otsuka are returning as Maomao and Jinshi, while Akinori Fudesaka returns as director at studio OLM, with Wataru Nakagawa serving as assistant director. Notably, Toho Animation Studio, which co-produced the previous two seasons, is not involved this time.

There’s also new talent joining the cast. Reina Ueda will portray Bai Niangniang, a mysterious immortal maiden who has recently become the subject of rumors. The trailer also teases the opening theme from the band Yorushika.

The franchise is also branching out beyond television. An original anime film titled ‘The Apothecary Diaries: The Deceased Empress’ Treasure’ is set to premiere in Japan on December 11, 2026, and it is considered canon, taking place between the events of the second and third seasons. An international theatrical release has not yet been announced.

With a new season, a canon film, and a fresh mystery character all arriving within months of each other, the palace has never felt so full of secrets. Which will draw Maomao in deeper—the rumors surrounding Bai Niangniang or Jinshi’s world beyond the palace walls? Who do you think is hiding the biggest secret?