Anime industry updates: Bleach finale schedule and The Apothecary Diaries season 3 details

The 2026 anime season features significant developments for major franchises. The final part of Bleach: Thousand-Year Blood War has undergone a schedule adjustment. To ensure high animation quality for the series finale, Studio Pierrot implemented a hiatus. Episode 49 is now scheduled for release on October 19th, with the series finale set to premiere on October 27th.

Additionally, The Apothecary Diaries has released character illustrations ahead of its third season. The new season will be released in two parts: the first part premieres on October 2, 2026, and the second part follows in April 2027. Directed by Akinori Fudesaka, the upcoming arc will expand the story beyond the palace walls, involving characters Maomao and Jinshi in national crises and new conspiracies. The opening theme, ‘Kumo o Nukekazashimo e Watashidake’, will be performed by yorushika.