Fans of The Apothecary Diaries eagerly awaiting the next chapter of Maomao’s adventures will need to wait just a bit longer. Instead of the highly anticipated season 2, episode 19, the series is airing a special broadcast this week. While anime delays are nothing new, this one comes with a twist because it is not a production issue or scheduling delay. Rather, the regular episode has been temporarily replaced by a unique, celebratory event.

This week’s broadcast features a special program starring the full lineup of the Japanese voice cast, according to @keiuzuki on X. It is a rare treat, especially for fans interested in the voices behind the characters and the creative process of the show. However, there is a major caveat that has left many international fans disappointed and confused. The special is not airing on regular TV channels or international platforms, because it is exclusive to a Japanese streaming site.

A One-Time Event for Japanese Fans Only

The Apothecary Diaries' Special Will Not Be Available Worldwide As of Now

The special broadcast is airing solely on Ameba, a Japan-based streaming platform that typically does not offer access to international viewers. That means fans outside of Japan are effectively locked out of this content, unless they have a VPN or access to a local Japanese streaming . While these kinds of specials are usually meant to be enjoyed by fans, making them region-locked adds a frustrating barrier for global audiences who have ed the show since its breakout success.

This exclusivity is especially frustrating given The Apothecary Diaries’ strong international following. Streaming platforms like Crunchyroll and Netflix have helped the series gain traction across the globe, with fans tuning in weekly. The decision to air this special only on Ameba creates a sense of exclusion, particularly for fans who were expecting a new episode and are now met with a broadcast they cannot even legally access.

What This Means for The Apothecary Diaries' Schedule

The Show Will Go On, But Fans Are Frustrated About the Limited Event

Fortunately, this is not a sign of production trouble. The show will resume its regular weekly schedule, with season 2, episode 19, expected to air the following week. The special appears to be more of a promotional or celebratory event than a filler or replacement episode. However, the decision to substitute a core episode of The Apothecary Diaries with a regional special does highlight how anime studios sometimes prioritize domestic markets, even as international audiences grow more vocal and engaged.

This also raises broader questions about accessibility and how anime is distributed in the streaming age. As Japanese anime gains worldwide popularity, fans increasingly expect simultaneous or near-simultaneous access to all content, not just the main episodes. Specials like these, when region-locked, can feel like a step backward in an otherwise increasingly globalized medium. While the special may offer delightful insights and interactions from The Apothecary Diaries for those who can watch, others will be left with little more than online recaps and fan translations.