Maomao's forensic adventures in the imperial court are far from over. In fact, they are getting bigger than ever. It has been a massive few weeks for fans of the hit historical mystery series The Apothecary Diaries.
Not only did the highly anticipated Season 3 officially premiere on Crunchyroll on October 2, 2026, but the franchise has also announced a major theatrical expansion. Crunchyroll and Sony Pictures Entertainment have confirmed they acquired the global distribution rights to the franchise's very first anime film, titled The Apothecary Diaries: The Late Lady's Treasure. If you are eager to see what mysteries await Maomao and Jinshi, here is a breakdown of the new season and the upcoming movie. For more seasonal coverage, see our Anime hub.
Season 3 is officially underway
Following the massive success of its first two seasons, The Apothecary Diaries returned to screens earlier this month for a 24-episode run divided into two cours, with the second half scheduled for April 2027.
The new season continues to follow Maomao, the wry, poison-obsessed apothecary who was kidnapped and sold into service at the emperor's palace. With Season 3 now streaming weekly on Crunchyroll, subbed and dubbed, fans can expect deeper political intrigue and more complex medical mysteries as Maomao's sharp deductive skills continue to draw the attention of the enigmatic palace official, Jinshi.
Taking the mystery to the big screen
While the television series continues to unfold, the newly announced film will take the duo far outside the familiar walls of the rear palace.
Directed by Norihiro Naganuma and animated by TOHO Animation STUDIO, The Late Lady's Treasure presents a brand-new, high-stakes mystery in a coastal setting. According to the official synopsis, the emperor orders Jinshi to fulfill the final wish of a concubine who died five years prior by returning her remains to her homeland. However, when Jinshi examines the body, he discovers an impossible medical anomaly: her remains are in pristine condition, looking as if she were still alive.
To solve the mystery, Jinshi brings Maomao south to Binan-shu, a bustling waterside city ruled by the Bi clan. While Maomao is thrilled to examine regional flora and unknown herbs, the city is on edge as vicious pirates scour the area for a legendary treasure hidden by their deceased leader. Predictably, chaos erupts. On the day of the concubine's funeral, a massive incident triggers a lethal chain of events.
With Season 3 heating up and a theatrical movie on the horizon, The Apothecary Diaries is solidifying its place as a global anime phenomenon.