Crunchyroll’s industry panel at Anime Expo 2023 on July 3, 2023, was a treasure trove of exciting announcements, with the highlight being the reveal of a fourth season for Black Butler and the premiere of a Solo Leveling trailer. Among the new anime series acquired by Crunchyroll, The Apothecary Diaries stood out, especially with the recent revelation of its Season 2 release timeframe.
The Apothecary Diaries, produced by OLM, is set to launch in 2023 and will be available worldwide, excluding Asia. This series has garnered significant attention due to its unique storyline and engaging characters. The narrative follows Maomao, a young apothecary who finds herself entangled in the intrigues of the imperial palace. Her intelligence, curiosity, and skills help her navigate the challenges and mysteries she encounters.
The first season of The Apothecary Diaries has already captivated audiences with its blend of mystery, drama, and romance. Set in a fictional version of Ming-era China, the story begins with Maomao living a peaceful life with her apothecary father in the pleasure district. Her life takes a dramatic turn when she is sold as a lowly servant to the emperor’s palace. However, Maomao’s keen mind and medical expertise soon come to the fore when she saves the lives of several princes, catching the eye of Jinshi, a handsome palace official. Jinshi recognizes her talents and promotes her, setting her on a path to uncover the palace’s many secrets.
The official synopsis for The Apothecary Diaries reads: “Maomao lived a peaceful life with her apothecary father. Until one day, she’s sold as a lowly servant to the emperor’s palace. But she wasn’t meant for a compliant life among royalty. So when imperial heirs fall ill, she decides to step in and find a cure! This catches the eye of Jinshi, a handsome palace official who promotes her. Now, she’s making a name for herself solving medical mysteries!”
The anticipation for Season 2 is palpable, especially after the success of the first season. Fans are eager to see how Maomao’s journey will unfold as she continues to solve medical mysteries and navigate the complex dynamics of the imperial palace. The release timeframe for Season 2 has been eagerly awaited, and the announcement has only heightened the excitement.
In addition to The Apothecary Diaries, Crunchyroll announced several other new anime series acquisitions. These include The Faraway Paladin: The Lord of Rust Mountain, GOBLIN SLAYER Season 2, The Kingdoms of Ruin, I Was Reincarnated as the 7th Prince So I Can Take My Time Perfecting My Magical Ability, To Be Hero X, Bottom-Tier Character Tomozaki 2nd Stage, and Black Butler. Each of these series brings something unique to the table, promising a diverse range of content for anime fans.
The Faraway Paladin: The Lord of Rust Mountain, produced by OLM and Sunrise Beyond, is set to launch in October 2023. GOBLIN SLAYER Season 2, produced by LIDENFILMS, will also be released in 2023. The Kingdoms of Ruin, produced by Yokohama Animation Lab, is scheduled for an October 2023 release. I Was Reincarnated as the 7th Prince So I Can Take My Time Perfecting My Magical Ability, produced by Tsumugi Akita Animation Lab, will launch in April 2024. To Be Hero X, produced by BeDream, has a release date that is yet to be announced. Bottom-Tier Character Tomozaki 2nd Stage, produced by Project No.9, will premiere in January 2024.
Crunchyroll also showcased a new trailer for the upcoming A Returner’s Magic Should Be Special anime series, which is set to premiere in October 2023. Other trailers screened at Anime Expo included Bucchigiri!?! from MAPPA’s panel, as well as KamiErabi GOD.app and Metallic Rouge from Fuji TV’s “+Ultra” panel. KamiErabi GOD.app and Metallic Rouge are slated for release in October 2023 and January 2024, respectively.
For basketball fans, Crunchyroll previewed its My Hero Academia collaboration with TOHO animation, NBA, NBALAB, and HYPERFLY. This line of streetwear, inspired by the anime series, will debut at NBA Con in Las Vegas from July 7, 2023, to July 9, 2023. The full range of merchandise will launch later this fall.
The Apothecary Diaries Season 1 Episode 14 is set to release on Saturday, January 13, 2024, on Crunchyroll. The episode will premiere in Japan on Nippon TV on Sunday, January 14, 2024. The simulcast release times are 10:45 a.m. PT, 1:45 p.m. ET, 6:45 p.m. GMT, and 7:45 p.m. CET. Viewers can watch the upcoming episode on Crunchyroll by subscribing to one of their plans, which include the Fan Plan at $7.99 monthly, the Mega Plan at $9.99, and the Ultimate Fan Plan at $14.99, all offering a 14-day free trial.
As the release of The Apothecary Diaries Season 2 approaches, fans can look forward to more of Maomao’s adventures and the intricate mysteries of the imperial palace. The series continues to be a standout in Crunchyroll’s lineup, promising to deliver captivating storytelling and rich character development.
Source: press release
