The Andromeda Strain is a 2008 science fiction miniseries, based on the novel of the same name published in 1969 by Michael Crichton about a team of scientists who investigate a deadly disease of extraterrestrial origin. The miniseries is a "reimagining" of the original Michael Crichton novel rather than an adaptation. In addition to updating the setting to the early 21st Century, the miniseries makes a great many plot and character changes from its source. The mini-series has two episodes for a total of 169 minutes (originally aired on 26 and 27 May 2008).