‘The Apothecary Diaries’ Season 3 Episode 3 Release Date, Time and Where to Watch Maomao’s Next Adventure

Fans of Maomao’s sharp wit and clever insights are eagerly marking their calendars, as the next installment of the popular anime approaches quickly. With the premiere now behind us and the narrative just beginning to unfold, viewers are keen to know when the next episode will be available and how to watch it.

The short answer is that episode 3 of ‘The Apothecary Diaries’ is set to premiere on October 16 at 11 AM EDT or 8 AM PDT. Here’s everything we know about the release date and time, where to stream it, and what the storyline is building towards.

The new season follows a weekly release schedule, with new episodes dropping on Fridays at 8:00 AM on Crunchyroll. This means the third episode will air one week after the second, which is scheduled for October 9, followed by October 16.

You might come across a database listing indicating that the third episode airs on October 9. However, the broadcaster’s schedule considers that date as the second episode, so make sure to note October 16 for the third.

In Japan, the series airs on Nippon TV, with the season premiere having started on Friday, October 2, at 11 PM JST. Viewers outside Japan should adjust the timing accordingly, and it’s important to remember that the official notice warns that broadcast times may change.

Where can you watch the series right now? International fans have one primary destination for the show. The third season is available on Crunchyroll, along with earlier seasons, making it easy for newcomers to catch up on the palace intrigue.

For those starting from the beginning, the recommendation is straightforward. New viewers should begin with the first season, followed by the second, before diving into the latest episodes.

Dub fans will need to exercise some patience, as the English dub release date for the new season has yet to be announced, and there’s no guarantee of a same-day release. Subtitled viewers will have the first opportunity to watch every Friday.

Details about the third episode remain scarce at this time, with no title or synopsis available yet. However, we do know the story’s current status. The premiere episode, titled ‘Locusts’, sets the stage for what’s to come and hints at the potential consequences.

The overarching narrative revolves around the aftermath of a rebellion. While peace is often fleeting, Maomao finds herself drawn into a new mystery following a peculiar breakfast. Meanwhile, Jinshi grapples with his duties as the Imperial Brother, haunted by a foreboding warning.

In its season preview, Anime News Network noted that the first episode is packed with setup for what appears to be the next major story arc. This suggests that the third episode could be the moment when the narrative threads begin to intertwine.

For those eager to learn more about the upcoming episode, keep an eye on the official site, which previously revealed the premise for the premiere. Similar updates for future episodes would not be unexpected.

This season is structured as two separate cours, with the second cour set to premiere in April 2027. One schedule indicates that the season will consist of 24 episodes across both cours, though another report mentions that the episode count has not been confirmed, so take that number with caution.

The production team has also seen a change. Toho Animation Studio, which co-produced the first two seasons, is not involved this time, leaving OLM as the sole producer. On the creative side, Akinori Fudesaka is directing, with Aoi Yuki and Takeo Otsuka reprising their roles as Maomao and Jinshi, and Reina Ueda joining the cast.

Fans can also look forward to a cinematic treat. An animated film titled ‘The Apothecary Diaries: The Deceased Empress’ Treasure’ is set to premiere in Japan on December 11, 2026. This film will take Maomao and Jinshi on an adventure to a vibrant city by the water, providing the franchise with exciting momentum as weekly episodes continue to air.

With locusts, rumors of famine, and a mysterious maiden already stirring the pot, which storyline do you think the third episode will explore first? Will Maomao uncover the clue that ties everything together?