The Apothecary Diaries — A Period Drama with a Romance Side Quest?

The Apothecary Diaries isn’t the loudest anime of the year but every time you talk to an anime reviewer or scroll through recommendations, you’ll see The Apothecary Diaries casually slip into the conversation — right alongside heavy hitters like Solo Leveling, Frieren, Kaiju No. 8, and Dan Da Dan. But what is it really about?
Well, The Apothecary Diaries is a period drama set in a fictional kingdom heavily inspired by imperial China. It follows a sharp young woman who solves mysteries — and yes, there’s a slow-burn romance thread woven through it. Sounds familiar? Mystery-solving girl in a historical setting. Been there, done that. Probably better romances out there too. So what makes The Apothecary Diaries so special? Why is everyone so enchanted by Maomao?
A World That Doesn’t Pretend
The show doesn’t shy away from serious themes — from the lives of courtesans in the pleasure district, to the cold politics of the royal court. It draws subtle but powerful parallels between courtesans and concubines, referring to both as “flowers” — valued, displayed, but ultimately disposable.
Yet, the show never feels preachy or exploitative. It doesn’t glorify these environments, but it also doesn’t overcompensate with guilt or dramatics. Through Maomao’s lens, we see things just as they are — complicated, morally gray, unfair at times. But she’s not here to whine about it. Neither is the show.
Maomao: A Walking Contradiction (And That’s a Compliment)
Maomao isn’t your average anime heroine. She’s not written to be saved, but she’s not exaggerated into a flawless badass either. She’s a frail, short 17-year-old (her own words) — obsessed with herbs, poisons, and obscure medicines. The kind of person who would risk her own safety just to get her hands on a rare drug. That obsession? Borderline unhealthy. But it makes her feel real.
She’s smart, sarcastic, selectively self-aware — especially when it comes to understanding others’ emotions. When it’s about solving a case or dealing with others, she can read the room perfectly. But when it’s about her own feelings? Total blind spot.

She acts cold, always trying to avoid getting involved, rationalizing her every action like a scientist analyzing herself. And yet, when someone she cares about is in trouble — like her fellow servant Xiolan — she steps in. She might claim it’s just a transaction (“I feed her, she gives me gossip”), but her actions say otherwise. That moral compass sneaks through, no matter how hard she tries to stay neutral.
Maomao is what happens when a character is written well. She’s clever but flawed. A contradiction who owns her quirks. And most importantly, she doesn’t feel like someone’s “ideal woman” — she just feels like herself.
Jinshi: More Than a Pretty Face
Of course, The Apothecary Diaries isn’t all Maomao. There’s a full cast of complex characters, and one of the most intriguing is Jinshi — the impossibly beautiful man who manages the Rear Palace. At first glance, he’s introduced as a high-ranking eunuch, practically a celestial being in human form.
But here’s where the show’s writing shines — no one is reduced to a trope. Jinshi has trauma, secrets, and a past that slowly unravels. Spoilers ahead: Jinshi is actually Ka Zuigetsu — the emperor’s brother, and the true Crown Prince. But the guy doesn’t even want his power. He hides from it, frustrated by how people only see his looks and status.

What’s brilliant is how Maomao figures most of this out early on. But in true Maomao fashion, she mentally files it away as “speculative nonsense that could get me executed” and pretends it doesn’t exist. Again — selectively self-aware.
Their dynamic is refreshing. Maomao isn’t dazzled by Jinshi’s status or beauty. She acknowledges it (and let’s be real, her internal monologue about his looks in the novels is hilarious and dramatic), but she isn’t ruled by it. She interacts with him like a real person — not a love interest — which ironically makes their romance even more compelling.
Romance That Grows, Not Screams
This isn’t your typical romance anime. There are no dramatic confessions, no convenient misunderstandings, no love triangles for the sake of tension. The romance exists because Maomao and Jinshi are written as real people. It’s slow, subtle, and painfully believable.
Yes, it takes its sweet time. But when it hits, it hits hard — precisely because you’ve seen these two navigate politics, trauma, and expectations before they even begin to admit how they feel.

A Mystery That’s Actually... Layered
Some viewers might say the episodic mystery format makes the show feel light. But wait. Stick around, and you’ll see how every little mystery connects. A throwaway character from episode 3? Suddenly critical in episode 10. A passing line? Comes back with weight three arcs later. The writing sneaks up on you — and that “aha” moment hits like a punch.
The Apothecary Diaries rewards attention. It’s not about flashy twists. It’s about clever setups and slow, satisfying payoffs.
Is It Anime of the Year Material? Maybe Not. But It Should Be in the Conversation.
Let’s be honest. In a year dominated by hype machines like Solo Leveling and critical darlings like Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End, The Apothecary Diaries is easy to overlook. It’s the quiet kid in the back of the class who doesn’t try too hard — but always has the best answer when asked.
It probably won’t win big at the Crunchyroll Anime Awards. But it deserves to be in that list. Not just as an obligatory entry. But because it offers something rare — mature storytelling that trusts the audience.

Final Thoughts
The Apothecary Diaries isn’t loud. It doesn’t rely on massive battles, power-ups, or cliffhangers to pull you in. Instead, it chooses to trust the audience — to notice the small things, to sit with the slow burn, and to appreciate nuance over noise. In a world of over-the-top characters and predictable arcs, Maomao feels… oddly grounded. Human. Flawed. And maybe that’s what makes this show feel special.
It may not be the flashiest contender this year, but if you’ve ever craved a character-driven story that respects your intelligence — this is it.
So what do you think? Is The Apothecary Diaries a quiet masterpiece? Or just another slow burner with niche appeal? Does Maomao win you over, or do her quirks get old fast?
Let’s talk about it. Drop your take below — and check out more anime content here. And don’t forget to catch the Anime Awards by Crunchyroll. You might just find Apothecary Diaries quietly standing tall among giants.