With the possible exception of the “secret” formula for Coca-Cola, no scientific breakthrough or mathematical equation has had the impact of Einstein’s formulation Emc2. We’ve all seen it. It even floated by in the opening credits sequence of the great old “Twilight Zone” series. But what does it mean?

“Nova” (7 p.m., PBS, check local listings) presents “Einstein’s Big Idea,” a two-hour dramatization of Einstein’s life, both personal and intellectual.

An ambitious and rewarding documentary, “Big Idea” uses dramatic recreations to reacquaint us with Einstein. While many of us have come to think of him as a wise, old man with long, grey hair, “Big Idea” puts great emphasis on his youth and vitality back in 1905, when he came upon his most celebrated theory.

The film also dramatizes the lives of Einstein’s scientific predecessors and greatest influences, including Michael Faraday, Antoine-Laurent Lavoisier, Emilie du Chatelet and Lise Meitner. It takes great pains to show that these giants of physics were not remote figures confined to a laboratory, but flesh-and-blood human beings very much affected by the political currents of their time. We learn how Faraday’s patron and later rival succumbed to his addiction to ether, and how Lavoisier met his fate during the bloody anarchy of the French Revolution.

Inspired by the book “Emc2: A Biography of the World’s Most Famous Equation” by David Bodanis, this documentary does a good job of explaining the breakthroughs and big ideas that helped change the way we perceive matter, energy and the workings of the universe.

Tonight’s other highlights

¢ Earl reveals that he once faked his own death to get out of a bad relationship on “My Name is Earl” (8 p.m., NBC).

¢ A very old grave on “NCIS” (7 p.m., CBS).

¢ Game 1 of the American League Championship Series (7 p.m., Fox).

¢ A suspect attacks Finn on “Law & Order: Special Victims Unit” (10 p.m., NBC).

¢ Caroline Rhea hosts “The Biggest Loser” (7 p.m., NBC)

¢ A deceptive lesson on “According to Jim” (7 p.m., ABC).