The Apothecary Diaries
This beautifully animated historical mystery follows teenage apothecary Maomao as she solves medical puzzles inside an imperial palace modeled on ancient China. Across two seasons (and a third now airing), the story grows steadily darker, weaving in poisonings, infant deaths, suicidal characters, sexual power dynamics, and in Season 2 an attempted sexual assault, making this a show firmly aimed at older teens and adults rather than younger viewers.
Mature teens 14 and up at the very earliest, with 16+ a more comfortable fit once Season 2 content is included.
Episodes to know about
The opening episode establishes that Maomao was kidnapped and sold into palace servitude; the abduction is depicted briefly but plainly.
Episode 2 is one of two episodes where language spikes above the series baseline.
Episode 4 is the other episode with a notably stronger language spike.