The Andromeda Strain (2008)
A gripping two-part sci-fi miniseries where elite scientists battle a lethal alien pathogen threatening all of humanity.
The Andromeda Strain - Series Information
- Original Title: The Andromeda Strain
- First Air Year: 2008
- Last Air Year: 2008
- Created by: Robert Schenkkan
- Type: TV Series
- Genres: Sci-Fi, Fantasy, Drama, Action, Adventure
- Episode Runtime: Average runtime per episode (120 minutes)
- Number of Seasons: 1
- Number of Episodes: 2
- Status: Ended
- Original Language: English
- Spoken Languages: English
- First Air Date: May 26, 2008 (United Kingdom - 15)
- Networks: A&E
- Alternative Titles: O Enigma de Andrômeda (BR), 仙女座菌株 (CN), La Variété Andromède (FR), Ιός Ανδρομέδα (GR), Ridley Scottin Andromedan taakka (FI), The Andromeda Strain (US), Andromeda znaczy śmierć (PL), Вирус Андромеда (RU)
- Production Companies: Scott Free Productions
- Production Countries: United States of America
The Andromeda Strain - Plot
A U.S. satellite crash-lands near a small town in Utah, unleashing a deadly plague that kills virtually everyone except two survivors, who may provide clues to immunizing the population. As the military attempts to quarantine the area, a team of highly specialized scientists is assembled to find a cure and stop the spread of the alien pathogen, code-named Andromeda.
The Andromeda Strain - Trailer
Watch the official trailer and see the crisis unfold from the very first moments:
Where to Watch The Andromeda Strain
Looking for where to watch The Andromeda Strain?
Compare all viewing options available in your region on JustWatch ↗
The Andromeda Strain - Cast & Crew
Creator(s)
- Robert Schenkkan
Main Cast
- Benjamin Bratt
- Christa Miller
- Eric McCormack
- Daniel Dae Kim
- Viola Davis
- Louis Ferreira
- Barry Flatman
- Rick Schroder
- Andre Braugher
- Magda Apanowicz
Writers
- Robert Schenkkan
Executive Producers
- David W. Zucker
- Ridley Scott
- Tom Thayer
- Tony Scott
The Andromeda Strain - FAQs
Is The Andromeda Strain based on a true story?
The miniseries is based on Michael Crichton's 1969 science fiction novel of the same name. While the story is fictional, Crichton grounded it in real scientific concepts around extraterrestrial contamination and biological containment protocols, lending the narrative a chilling sense of plausibility that still resonates with audiences today.
What is The Andromeda Strain miniseries about?
A U.S. satellite crashes near a small Utah town, releasing a lethal alien pathogen that wipes out nearly the entire population. Two mysterious survivors hold the key to a potential cure. A team of elite scientists races against time inside a high-security underground lab to contain and defeat the organism before it spreads globally.
How does the 2008 miniseries differ from the 1971 film?
The 2008 A&E miniseries expands significantly on the original story, adding new characters, a time-travel subplot, and contemporary thriller elements not found in Robert Wise's 1971 film adaptation. Writer Robert Schenkkan modernized the premise while retaining the core biological crisis, giving the story a more action-driven and politically charged dimension.
Where can you watch The Andromeda Strain?
The Andromeda Strain is currently available to purchase on Amazon Video. Streaming availability may vary by region, so it's worth checking your local platforms for the latest options.
Who are the main actors in The Andromeda Strain?
The miniseries features a strong ensemble cast led by Benjamin Bratt as Dr. Jeremy Stone and Eric McCormack as journalist Jack Nash. They are joined by Viola Davis, Daniel Dae Kim, Christa Miller, Andre Braugher, and Rick Schroder, among others, bringing considerable dramatic weight to the production.
Who produced The Andromeda Strain 2008 miniseries?
The miniseries was produced by Scott Free Productions, the company founded by directors Ridley Scott and Tony Scott, both of whom served as executive producers. David W. Zucker and Tom Thayer also executive produced, with Robert Schenkkan handling both writing and creative development for the project.
How many episodes does The Andromeda Strain have?
The Andromeda Strain aired as a two-part miniseries on A&E in May 2008, with each installment running approximately two hours. The format allowed the story to unfold at a deliberate, tension-filled pace, giving the scientific and character-driven elements room to breathe across its single season.
What are some shows similar to The Andromeda Strain?
If you enjoyed The Andromeda Strain, you might also like La Brea, Debris, or the 2020 adaptation of The Stand, all of which blend sci-fi mystery with survival stakes. ReGenesis and War of the Worlds (2019) offer similarly grounded takes on biological and extraterrestrial threats facing humanity.
More About The Andromeda Strain
Explore further details about the series on these authoritative sources: