The Apothecary Diaries (Kusuriya no Hitorigoto) isn't slowing down. A new Ibaraki Prefecture tourism collaboration landed July 28, 2026 — Maomao and Jinshi touring the four seasons of the prefecture — and it arrives right as season 3 gears up for an October 2026 premiere. If you're just catching up, here's where to watch it and how it ranks.
Quick answer
According to SenpaiRanks, Kusuriya no Hitorigoto (The Apothecary Diaries) holds a consensus score of 7.67, streaming on Crunchyroll with an English dub for seasons 1 and 2. Season 3 premieres in October 2026 (first cour), with a second cour following in April 2027. The series adapts Natsu Hyuuga's light novels about Maomao, an apothecary turned reluctant palace investigator. It's one of the strongest-scoring mystery-drama titles on our board.
What you're getting into
Maomao is a pharmacist's daughter sold into the imperial rear palace who can't stop solving the poisonings, curses, and court intrigues around her. It's a procedural dressed as a period drama — closer to a detective show than a standard romance, though the slow-burn with Jinshi is half the draw. Two seasons in, the formula hasn't worn thin, which is why the score has held.
Where to watch it
Crunchyroll carries all of it, subbed and dubbed for seasons 1 and 2. That's the platform-neutral read — it's a Crunchyroll exclusive for streaming, so there's no Netflix or Hulu alternative to weigh. Season 3 will simulcast there from October.
Is it good?
Our 7.67 consensus puts it comfortably above the seasonal average, and the Quality axis is where it really earns its keep: this is a show that rewards attention, with mysteries that hold up when you know the answer. If you like your anime with a brain, it's an easy recommend. Rate it on SenpaiRanks and see whether Maomao lands as high for you as she does for the crowd.
Planning your season? See the fall 2026 watch guide and best summer 2026 anime. More slow-burn drama where-to-watch: our earlier Apothecary Diaries season 3 release guide and Ascendance of a Bookworm Part 3. The season 3 page tracks the new cour as it airs.
Related rankings
Frequently asked questions
Q: Where can I watch The Apothecary Diaries?
A: It streams on Crunchyroll, subbed and with an English dub for seasons 1 and 2.
Q: When does The Apothecary Diaries season 3 come out?
A: Season 3 premieres in October 2026 for its first cour, with a second cour following in April 2027.
Q: Is The Apothecary Diaries good?
A: According to SenpaiRanks, it holds a consensus score of 7.67 — above the seasonal average — with strong Quality marks for its mystery writing.
Q: What is The Apothecary Diaries about?
A: It follows Maomao, an apothecary working undercover in the imperial rear palace who solves poisonings and court intrigues, adapted from Natsu Hyuuga's light novels.
Q: Does it have an English dub?
A: Yes — Crunchyroll offers English dubs for seasons 1 and 2.