The acclaimed anime The Apothecary Diaries (also known as Kusuriya no Hitorigoto) has officially announced that a third season and an original theatrical film are in the works. These developments mark an exciting new chapter for the story of Maomao and Jinshi.
🎬 What’s Announced: Season 3 + Movie
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Season 3 is officially confirmed and currently in production.
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The anime film — featuring an original story by the light-novel author Natsu Hyūga — is slated for December 2026 theatrical release in Japan.
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Season 3 is set to premiere its first cour in October 2026, with the second cour expected around April 2027.
📅 Release Timeline & What to Expect
| Release | Date / Window | Info |
|---|---|---|
| Movie | December 2026 | Original story, theatrical format |
| Season 3 (Part 1) | October 2026 | First cour of new season |
| Season 3 (Part 2) | April 2027 | Second cour follows after break |
This schedule gives fans a consistent stream of content and builds anticipation between the movie and the new season.
🧩 Story & Setting: What’s Changing
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Season 3 promises to expand the setting beyond the palace where much of the earlier story took place.
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The movie is expected to be a unique side-story rather than a simple recap, offering something new even for long-time fans.
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Key characters like Maomao and Jinshi will return, and the same studio team is reportedly involved, which bodes well for continuity of style and quality.
✅ Why This Is Big for Fans
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The franchise is highly rated (8.86/10 on MyAnimeList) and has a strong fan-base, so a third season + movie are major trophies.
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A theatrical movie demonstrates the studio’s confidence in the brand and promises high production values.
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The split-cours model for Season 3 means less burnout and better pacing for complex story arcs.
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For viewers who loved the intrigue, mystery, and character dynamics, this is a long-awaited return.
📌 What You Can Do Now
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Revisit seasons 1 and 2 to refresh plot details and catch subtle set-ups for the new arcs.
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Keep an eye on official announcements from studios TOHO Animation Studio and OLM Studio for trailers, key visuals and exact release dates.
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Follow streaming platforms like Crunchyroll (international) to be ready when the new season drops.
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Engage with fan communities (Reddit, Discord) to share theories and stay updated.
🎯 Final Words
The upcoming movie and Season 3 of The Apothecary Diaries represent a major milestone for the series. Whether you’re a long-time fan or new to the story, 2026 is shaping up to be a year you’ll want to watch closely. With rich narrative potential and top-tier production behind them, these new instalments could elevate the franchise to new heights.