From the very first episode, The Apothecary Diaries captured my attention with a refreshing protagonist and a setting that feels both rich and intimate. It’s rare to find a series that balances slice-of-life mystery, palace intrigue, and a slow-burning character dynamic this well—and somehow, it all works.
Maomao is a breath of fresh air. From the get-go, she’s incredibly likable—not because she tries to be, but because she simply is who she is. She’s nonchalant, often sarcastic, but always perceptive. And best of all, she’s not a pushover. In a world that often tries to diminish women, especially in palace hierarchies, Maomao holds her own with quiet resilience and sharp intellect. You can’t help but root for her.
What I love most is how the show never makes her intelligence the only thing that defines her. She’s curious, dry-humored, sometimes a little reckless—but always, deeply human.
Jinshi is hilarious. On the surface, he’s a walking contradiction: princely looks, effortless charm, and a soft voice hiding someone with real complexity beneath the glamor. I loved how the show slowly peeled back his layers, episode by episode. You never get dumped with exposition—his story is revealed through moments, glances, overheard conversations, and his interactions with Maomao.
There’s a perfect balance between tension, banter, and vulnerability. It never feels rushed, yet it never stalls out either. Every scene between them adds something—whether it’s character depth, emotional stakes, or just an amazing punchline.
So often, side characters in shows like this fade into the background. Not here. From court ladies and eunuchs to mysterious nobles and palace physicians, The Apothecary Diaries creates a whole ecosystem of fascinating people. They each bring their own energy to the story—some humorous, some tragic, some shady—and all of them feel like part of a living, breathing world. It makes the palace feel alive, not just like a backdrop.
Season 1: The first season is mostly episodic, following Maomao as she solves smaller medical mysteries in the inner palace. Some viewers might’ve wanted more plot momentum, but I found the structure engaging. The mysteries are clever, never too easy, and often tied to real medical or historical concepts, which I found genuinely fascinating.
The tone strikes a great balance—it’s light and quirky, but with an undercurrent of tension. You know there’s something deeper going on beneath the surface.
Season 2: Season 2 ups the stakes, both politically and emotionally. You start to see the bigger picture—secret alliances, dangerous conspiracies, and deeper connections between characters. There’s a notable increase in emotional weight, especially around Jinshi’s identity and Maomao’s own sense of belonging (or lack thereof).
This season also leans more into the sensuality and subtle romance. Nothing is overt, but you can feel it—through glances, words left unsaid, costumes, and gestures. The restraint makes it all the more compelling.
Some fans felt the pacing dipped in the second half—and I get that. The story slows down in places. But for me, it was in service of character development, and I honestly didn’t mind it. I was happy to just spend more time with these characters.
So if you’re looking for a series that’s plot-heavy, action-packed, and wrapped up in 12 episodes, this might not be your cup of herbal medicine. But if you love character-driven mysteries, smart writing, and an emotionally restrained (but satisfying!) romance that actually respects your intelligence—The Apothecary Diaries is an absolute gem.
It’s thoughtful. It’s funny. It’s weirdly romantic. And Maomao? She’s the kind of heroine I want to see more of. I cannot recommend this enough for anyone looking for a great anime that’s smart, action-packed, and truly draws you in with its characters.
PADDYLAST INC. 