The Apothecary Diaries Season 3 began on October 2, 2026. Check the full episode release schedule, story details, where to watch, and information about the December movie.
Maomao is back, and The Apothecary Diaries Season 3 is taking her outside the familiar setting of the Imperial Palace. The new season began airing on October 2, 2026, with new episodes releasing weekly on Fridays. However, fans should know that Season 3 is split into two parts, with the first 12 episodes airing through December before the anime returns for its second cour in April 2027. Spoiler Warning: This guide covers the officially revealed premise and release plans for Season 3 without revealing major story twists.
Read more: 15 Best Anime of 2026 So Far, Ranked
What Is The Apothecary Diaries Season 3 About?
Season 3 moves the story beyond the Rear Palace as Maomao and Jinshi face a new set of mysteries and responsibilities. The official synopsis teases signs of an approaching disaster, a mysterious shrine maiden, and new responsibilities for Jinshi as the Imperial Prince. With the story moving into wider parts of the country, Maomao’s knowledge of medicine and poisons once again becomes important as new cases begin to unfold. The change in setting also gives the anime a chance to explore a larger world beyond the palace politics that shaped much of the first two seasons.
When Do The Apothecary Diaries Season 3 Episodes Release?
Season 3 has 24 episodes in total, split into two cours. The first 12 episodes are scheduled to air weekly from October through December 2026, while the remaining 12 episodes will begin in April 2027.
| Episode | Release Date |
|---|---|
| Episode 1 | October 2, 2026 |
| Episode 2 | October 9, 2026 |
| Episode 3 | October 16, 2026 |
| Episode 4 | October 23, 2026 |
| Episode 5 | October 30, 2026 |
| Episode 6 | November 6, 2026 |
| Episode 7 | November 13, 2026 |
| Episode 8 | November 20, 2026 |
| Episode 9 | November 27, 2026 |
| Episode 10 | December 4, 2026 |
| Episode 11 | December 11, 2026 |
| Episode 12 | December 18, 2026 |
| Episodes 13-24 | April 2027 |
The schedule currently has the first cour running every Friday, followed by a break before the second half arrives in spring 2027.
Also read: Dragon Ball Super: Beerus Release Date, Streaming Details, and What to Expect
Where Can You Watch Season 3?
The Apothecary Diaries Season 3 is streaming on Crunchyroll, including the Indian subcontinent. The subtitled episodes are released alongside the international schedule, with Crunchyroll listing an 8:00 a.m. PT release time. For Indian viewers, that currently works out to 8:30 p.m. IST on Fridays for the Crunchyroll release. The first episode is already available, with Episode 2 scheduled for October 9.
What About The Apothecary Diaries Movie?
Season 3 will be followed by a separate theatrical movie, adding another major release to the franchise’s 2026 schedule. The Apothecary Diaries: The Secret Treasure of the Deceased Consort is scheduled to open in Japanese theatres on December 11, 2026. The film features a completely new story based on an original story concept from light novel author Natsu Hyūga.
The movie is not the second cour of Season 3. The TV anime will continue with its remaining episodes in April 2027. With Maomao heading into a bigger world, new mysteries waiting to be solved and a movie arriving during the break, what will Season 3 have in store for her and Jinshi?
Explore: Why Is the One Piece Anime on Hiatus? Its 2027 Return and New Release Schedule Explained