By Stig Editor 
If you’re a fan of historical anime with a touch of mystery, fantasy, and a strong female lead, then The Apothecary Diaries (Japanese: Kusuriya no Hitorigoto) is definitely a series you should check out. Based on the light novel series by Natsu Hyuuga and illustrated by Kureta, The Apothecary Diaries follows Maomao, a young woman with an incredible knowledge of medicine, who gets caught up in the dangerous politics of a palace after being brought there as a servant. The series blends intrigue, drama, and a sprinkle of romance as Maomao navigates life in the imperial court, solving medical mysteries and uncovering dark secrets along the way.
With the anime adaptation of The Apothecary Diaries quickly gaining attention, you might be wondering where you can watch it. Here’s your guide to all the streaming platforms offering this intriguing show, so you can enjoy every twist and turn of Maomao’s journey.
What is The Apothecary Diaries About?
Before we dive into where to watch it, let’s quickly catch you up on the plot of The Apothecary Diaries.
Set in an imperial palace that resembles historical China, The Apothecary Diaries tells the story of Maomao, a sharp-witted young woman raised in a brothel. After being taken to the palace, Maomao is tasked with serving as a palace maid, where she quickly becomes involved in the inner workings of the royal court. Thanks to her knowledge of medicine, she finds herself solving medical mysteries and handling sensitive cases for the emperor’s concubines. However, her intelligence also attracts the attention of powerful people, some of whom may not have her best interests at heart.
The series is filled with political intrigue, medical mysteries, and a healthy dose of drama, making it a captivating watch for anime fans who enjoy historical settings and complex characters.
Where to Watch The Apothecary Diaries
Now that you’re familiar with the show, let’s get to the most important question: Where can you watch it? Here are the best streaming platforms where you can find The Apothecary Diaries:
1. Crunchyroll
Crunchyroll is one of the most popular platforms for streaming anime worldwide, and The Apothecary Diaries is available here.
- Availability: The Apothecary Diaries is available on Crunchyroll in multiple regions, including the US, UK, Canada, and other international locations. You can watch it with English subtitles.
- Subscription: Crunchyroll offers a free streaming option with ads, but if you want an ad-free experience, early access to episodes, and higher video quality, you can subscribe to a premium plan starting at $7.99/month.
Why Crunchyroll? Crunchyroll is known for its vast anime catalog and quick releases of new episodes, so it’s a great platform if you want to watch the latest episodes as soon as they’re available.
2. Funimation (Limited Availability)
For viewers in North America, Funimation also streams The Apothecary Diaries, although their library has gradually merged with Crunchyroll in recent months.
- Availability: If you’re in the US or Canada, you might still find The Apothecary Diaries available on Funimation, but this will depend on where you’re located.
- Subscription: Funimation also offers a free version with ads. For an ad-free experience and to get access to premium features, you can subscribe to their service, starting at $5.99/month.
Why Funimation? Funimation was a go-to platform for many anime fans before its merger with Crunchyroll, and it still offers solid streaming options for those who prefer their interface or already have an account.
3. Netflix (Region-Specific)
Netflix has been adding more and more anime to its roster, and The Apothecary Diaries is available on the platform in select regions.
- Availability: In some regions like Japan, Netflix has secured the rights to stream The Apothecary Diaries. However, it may not be available in all countries. You’ll need to check Netflix in your region to see if it’s offered.
- Subscription: Netflix is a subscription-based platform, with plans starting at $6.99/month. A subscription grants you access to all the content on Netflix, including The Apothecary Diaries if it’s available in your region.
Why Netflix? If you’re already a Netflix subscriber and the show is available in your country, this is a convenient option with high-quality streaming and easy access.
4. HIDIVE
HIDIVE is another streaming service where The Apothecary Diaries is available in certain regions, though its library is not as extensive as Crunchyroll or Funimation.
- Availability: HIDIVE has the anime with English subtitles. It is available in North America and a few other select countries, so availability may depend on your location.
- Subscription: HIDIVE offers a 30-day free trial for new users, after which the subscription is priced at $4.99/month.
Why HIDIVE? While HIDIVE is not as widely known as some of the bigger platforms, it’s a solid option if you’re looking for a more niche anime collection. It’s also often a platform that secures rights to some exclusive shows.
5. VRV (For North America)
VRV is another great option for anime lovers in North America. It bundles together several streaming services, including Crunchyroll, Funimation, and others, into one subscription.
- Availability: The Apothecary Diaries is available through VRV, as it includes Crunchyroll’s catalog.
- Subscription: VRV offers a subscription starting at $9.99/month, which gives you access to content from Crunchyroll, Funimation, and other streaming channels.
Why VRV? If you love variety and want access to multiple anime services in one place, VRV is an excellent option. Plus, it gives you the convenience of one subscription for a wide range of anime content.
Is The Apothecary Diaries Free to Watch?
Yes, it’s possible to watch The Apothecary Diaries for free, but with some limitations. Most platforms, including Crunchyroll and Funimation, offer free streaming with ads. However, you won’t be able to access episodes immediately after release, and the video quality may be lower compared to paid subscribers. If you don’t mind waiting a bit and dealing with ads, the free option can be a good choice.
If you prefer an ad-free experience and early access to episodes, a premium subscription is the way to go.
Conclusion
If you’re looking to watch The Apothecary Diaries, you’ve got plenty of options. The series is available on major platforms like Crunchyroll, Funimation, Netflix (in some regions), HIDIVE, and VRV. Depending on where you live, one platform may be more accessible than others, but all of them offer a great viewing experience with subtitles and high-quality streaming.
Whether you choose the free version or decide to subscribe for an ad-free experience, The Apothecary Diaries is definitely worth watching for fans of historical anime, mystery, and intricate palace politics.