Netflix has continued its quest to become a streaming destination for anime fans in 2025, regularly adding popular series to the service’s library. Whether it’sold favorites returning to the service, likeFullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhoodor new shows that friends have been telling you to watch, likeFrieren: Beyond Journey’s End, Netflix’s offering of popular anime has steadily grown.This continues next month with the first season of the ongoing seriesThe Apothecary Diariesarriving on the platform.
The Apothecary Diariesbegan airing in 2023, and its first season concluded in the spring of 2024. The title has had a long history before then, however, as it’s based upon a light novel series, penned byNatsu Hyūga, that began in 2011 as an online series before being picked up by a publisher. Manga adaptations followed after that, and in 2023, the anime adaptation by Toho Animation was released.The anime series proved successfulenough that it was renewed for a second season, which began airing in January of this year.
What is ‘The Apothecary Diaries’ About?
The Apothecary Diariesfollows Maomao, a young girl who works as an apothecary, someone who prepares medicines,in a fictional country that is inspired by Imperial China.Maomao is sold into servitude at the Imperial Palace, and with her extensive knowledge of both medicines and poisons, alongside her naturally curious and inquisitive nature, a series of events leads Maomao to begin working to solve mysteries within the royal court.
Alongside Maomao is Jinshi, the series' secondary protagonist, who holds a position of authority within the royal court. Together, Maomao and Jinshi navigate the intrigue of the Imperial Court while Maomao uses her expertise in medicines and poisons to play the role of a detective. The anime is both a romance and a mystery series, andMaomao is a beloved main characterboth in the world of light novels and anime, making her a standout aspect of the show, alongside its beautiful animation and colorful presentation of the Imperial China-inspired world.
The second season ofThe Apothecary Diariesis currently airing, and the show’s first season, which includes 24 episodes, will be available to stream on Netflix beginning June 04, 2025. Stay tuned at Collider for more streaming and anime news.
