Since premiering in 2023, The Apothecary Diaries has become one of Crunchyroll’s most popular series. That’s thanks largely to its intricate palace conspiracies and the slow-burning relationship between the rapturously curious apothecary, Maomao, and the enigmatic imperial official, Jinshi. Season 2 revealed more about Jinshi’s true identity while a series of isolated incidents that Maomao investigated exposed an ongoing conspiracy that threatens the entire imperial family.
The Apothecary Diaries season 3, which premieres on Oct. 3, widens the scope of this world even further. The first cour of 12 episodes will air weekly, followed by an original theatrical film in December and then the second cour of season 3 in April 2027. Production committee producer Takao Iwata tells Polygon that the movie will fit nearly into the series’ canon and feature a completely original story written by The Apothecary Diaries creator Hyūganatsu.
Season 3 will bring Maomao to the Western Capital, where she will become entangled in a new series of events involving a locust plague and a mysterious “immortal maiden.” For Polygon’s 2026 Fall Preview, Iwata discussed the expanding scope of The Apothecary Diaries, the continued evolution of Maomao and Jinshi’s relationship, and how the upcoming movie fits into the larger story.
Polygon: The Apothecary Diaries has grown into an international phenomenon since the anime premiered in 2023. Has the scale of that success changed how you are approaching season 3, either creatively or from a production standpoint?
Takao Iwata: On the creative side, we have a solid production team in place, with director Akinori Fudesaka continuing in his role from season 2 and OLM handling the animation production. Season 3 will continue to deliver everything audiences have enjoyed about The Apothecary Diaries, including its beautiful background art and distinctive world, the relationships between its characters, and its mystery elements. We hope you’ll look forward to what’s ahead.
The story has gradually expanded from individual mysteries involving medicine and poison inside the rear palace into something much larger that involves the imperial family and the political future of the country. How does that expanding scope affect the way you plan and produce season 3?
In season 3, a new series of events begins, involving a locust plague and a mysterious “immortal maiden.” The story will also expand to a new setting, the Western Capital, in addition to the pleasure district and the imperial palace that we’ve seen so far. I think audiences will be able to enjoy a slightly different atmosphere from what they’ve seen before, not only in the visuals but also in elements such as the musical score.
Along with the new setting, there will also be some changes to Maomao’s main outfits and the characters accompanying her. With these changes in mind, our promotional efforts, led by publicity producer Yagi, have also emphasized that the series is entering a new chapter. I hope audiences can get a sense of that atmosphere from the key visuals and trailer that have already been released.
By the end of season 2, Maomao understands considerably more about Jinshi’s true position, while Jinshi has become more direct about his feelings for her. How does that new understanding change their dynamic in season 3?
In season 3, Maomao returns to the pleasure district, while Jinshi carries out his duties as the emperor’s younger brother. The story begins with both of them in different positions than in the previous seasons, but its core remains unchanged, with Maomao and Jinshi still at the center.
I can’t say too much without giving away spoilers, but Maomao and Jinshi’s relationship has continued to evolve throughout seasons 1 and 2, and that will continue in season 3. I hope you’ll look forward to the new season.
The series often moves between comedy, romance, mystery, and dangerous political drama within a single episode. From a producer’s perspective, how do you preserve a consistent identity while balancing so many different tones?
What’s most important to us is treating the original novels with respect and making sure we don’t misinterpret the source material. We’re very fortunate to have the support and cooperation of Hyūganatsu-sensei, the original author, as well as Imagica Infos, the publisher of the novels. Hyūganatsu-sensei also takes part in script meetings and voice recording sessions.
Even when we add scenes that aren’t in the original novels, we incorporate ideas from Hyūganatsu-sensei into the scripts, so I believe the result is something that fans will enjoy as well.
Season 3 will be released in two parts with a feature-length movie due out in between the two cours. What creative or production opportunities does that unusual structure give the team, and how closely are the television and film productions connected?
The film is being directed by Norihiro Naganuma, who directed season 1, while season 3 is being directed by Akinori Fudesaka, who directed season 2. Both are therefore being produced with the established style and tone of The Apothecary Diaries in mind.
The film will also feature a completely original story written by Hyūganatsu-sensei, the author of the original novels. Chronologically, it takes place between seasons 2 and 3 and will be part of the series’ official canon. I hope you’ll look forward to it.
As the producer overseeing the production team, what do you consider the defining creative challenge of season 3? And what are you most excited for audiences to experience?
The upcoming film will feature a completely new story written by Hyūganatsu-sensei. This is a story no one has seen before, and it will now be brought to life on screen for the first time. I hope everyone will look forward to it.
With the television series and theatrical film connected to one another, 2026-2027 will mark the biggest year yet for The Apothecary Diaries anime. In addition to the series itself, we’re also planning a variety of initiatives that will give fans more opportunities to engage with The Apothecary Diaries, Maomao, and Jinshi in different ways. Through these efforts, we want fans to feel even closer to the series. We hope you’ll continue to enjoy The Apothecary Diaries.