After over a year of anticipation, The Apothecary Diaries Season 3 Part 1 is just around the corner, releasing on October 2, 2026. But in case you’ve forgotten a few key details from the previous arcs, the list below should help you remember everything you need to know before jumping into Season 3. Especially toward the end of Season 2, things changed drastically, and the stakes are now higher than ever.
From Jinshi’s true identity being revealed to Gyokuyou giving birth to the next Crown Prince and more, here are 5 major things you need to know before The Apothecary Diaries season 3 releases.
TITLEThe Apothecary Diaries Season 3RELEASE DATEOctober 2, 2026STUDIO OLMWHERE TO WATCHCrunchyroll
1. Jinshi’s True Identity Is No Longer a Secret
Jinshi in a still from The Apothecary Diaries Season 2 | Credits: TOHO Animation x OLM Studio
Though we had already been given hints here and there that Jinshi is the Crown Prince and a potential successor to the throne, after the Shi clan incident, most of the doubts have been cleared. Heck, even Maomao now knows Jinshi’s true identity. The way Jinshi commanded the Forbidden Army and rescued Maomao himself was truly the epic revelation of his identity that his character arc deserved.
2. Gyokuyou Has Given Birth to the New Crown Prince
Gyokuyou and the new crown prince from The Apothecary Diaries Season 2 | Credits: TOHO Animation x OLM Studio
Soon after Jinshi reveals his official position in the Imperial Court, we receive the news that Lady Gyokuyou has successfully given birth to a son, thanks to Luomen. Thus, Jinshi immediately corrects himself to Maomao, explaining that he is actually no longer the Crown Prince. The newborn would naturally inherit the title. This would also give Jinshi more breathing room, and now that he has escaped the responsibilities of the ‘crown’, he may have more time for Maomao.
3. Maomao and Jinshi Are Now Closer Than Ever
Following the events of the Shi clan invasion arc in The Apothecary Diaries Season 2, Maomao and Jinshi’s relationship is at its most sensitive stage. Since Maomao now knows that Jinshi holds a high-ranking position at the Imperial Palace, the way she responds to Jinshi needs to be observed. She also probably understands that Jinshi has ulterior motives with her. And honestly, the fact that they were about to kiss near the end of Season 2 gives us hope for more spicy JinMao moments in Season 3.
4. The Story Is About to Move Beyond the Rear Palace
Maomao & Jinshi from The Apothecary Diaries Season 3 | Credits: OLM
As Season 3 is expected to adapt Light Novel volumes 5 and 6, the setting of the anime will move beyond the Rear Palace. Now that Gyokuyou has become the Empress, the story might focus on her a bit more, as we travel west on an expedition to Consort Gyokuyou’s homeland. And of course, it will bring deeper political conflicts and more mysteries to solve for our friendly neighborhood detective, Maomao.
5. Shisui Is NOT Dead, And Has Gone Missing
Shisui as seen at the end of The Apothecary Diaries Season 2 | Credits: TOHO Animation x OLM Studio
Another major thing fans must remember is that there remains the possibility of Shisui returning to the main storyline in Season 3. Though she was assumed to be dead after the Shi clan incident, at the very end of the second season, we were given a glimpse of her drifting in a port town. However, it seemed like she had lost her memories. Still, this keeps the anticipation alive that somewhere down the line, Shisui is going to make a major comeback, helping Maomao when she needs her the most.
What are your thoughts on it?
The Apothecary Diaries is currently available to watch on Crunchyroll.
This post belongs to FandomWire and first appeared on FandomWire
