The Apothecary Diaries (TV series)

Season 1

The Rear Palace Arc

Maomao serves as a lady-in-waiting and investigates various medical mysteries within the court, including the accidental poisoning of concubines and the properties of rare herbs. Jinshi frequently assigns her tasks to solve internal disputes and health crises using her knowledge of toxicology.

The Verdigris Pavilion Arc

During a brief visit to her home in the Red-Light District, Maomao is asked to investigate the death of a high-ranking official. She determines the cause of death by analyzing the chemical reactions of substances found at the scene. Concurrently, she manages the health of several courtesans at the Verdigris Pavilion.

The Courtesan and the Bureaucrat Arc

Maomao encounters Lakan, a high-ranking military official who reveals himself to be her biological father. The arc details the circumstances of Maomao's birth to a high-class courtesan and the subsequent estrangement. Maomao eventually uses her botanical knowledge to fulfill a specific request from Lakan involving the blooming of out-of-season flowers.

Season 2

The Inner Court Poisoning Arc

A series of incidents occurs involving a poisoned banquet and a missing ritual implement. Maomao connects these events to an assassination plot targeting Jinshi during an outdoor ceremony. She intervenes during the ritual, sustaining a leg injury while pulling Jinshi to safety.

The Shisui and the Clan Arc

Maomao befriends a new lady-in-waiting named Shisui. Investigations into agricultural failures and local "curses" lead Maomao to discover a conspiracy involving the Shi Clan. The clan attempts to destabilize the central government through controlled food shortages, resulting in a military confrontation and the clan's downfall.

The Winter Forest Arc

Following the Shi Clan incident, Maomao assists her foster father, Luomen, in managing a winter illness outbreak. She uncovers the technical methods used to create "blue roses" and continues her work as an apothecary while the political landscape of the palace shifts in the aftermath of the rebellion.

International release

Crunchyroll is streaming the series worldwide outside Asia, in addition to the Middle East, the CIS (excluding Russia and Belarus), and South Asia.[11][12][13] The first cours of the first season was released on Blu-ray on January 28, 2025,[14][15] while the second cours was released on March 25, 2025.[16] Netflix has streamed the series in select Asian regions.[17]

Film

An animated film was announced in October 2025, and will feature a new story written by Hyūganatsu. The film is set to premiere in Japan in December 2026.[10]

Critical response

James Beckett of Anime News Network praised the first season's premiere for its unique premise, noting that the series' strength lies in Maomao's characterization as a "refreshingly pragmatic and cynical protagonist" who uses her intellect to navigate the dangers of the imperial court.[23] In a later review, Beckett highlighted the "meticulous attention to detail" regarding the series' historical setting and the chemistry between the lead characters.[24]

Writing for IGN Southeast Asia, Dale Bashir noted that the series stood out by focusing on deduction and forensic science within a palace setting. He highlighted that the production quality from Toho Animation Studio and OLM successfully elevated the source material, making it one of the most prominent titles of its season.[25]

Accolades

The anime ranked seventh in Anime News Network's "Top 10 Anime of 2024", with Caitlin Moore praising the series' plot and Aoi Yūki's voice acting.[26] In 2025, the anime was nominated for 13 categories at the 9th Crunchyroll Anime Awards, including the Anime of the Year. Aoi Yūki, for her work as Maomao, won its only award for Best Voice Artist Performance (Japanese).

The anime was also nominated for Best Anime Series at the 5th Astra TV Awards. It won the 2025 Animage's Anime Grand Prix with Maomao and Jinshi taking the first and fourth places in the Best Character category. Aoi Yūki and Takeo Ōtsuka took the first and fifth places in the Best Voice Actor category for their respective roles as Maomao and Jinshi.

Awards and nominations