The “American Experience” (8 p.m., PBS) documentary “Race to the Moon” recalls a moving moment from the space race that may have also inspired one of the most poignant television broadcasts in history.

While many know about the moonwalk of the Apollo 11 astronauts and the white-knuckle tension surrounding the rescue of Apollo 13, the mission of Apollo 8 may be the most dramatic and important lunar voyage. In early 1968, America’s space program was still reeling from the death of the three Apollo 1 astronauts. To make matters worse, the CIA believed that a Soviet moon mission was imminent.

In a bold step, NASA decided to accelerate the schedule and send three astronauts – Frank Borman, Jim Lovell and Bill Anders – on an unprecedented mission to orbit the moon and return safely to earth. And do it all with rocketry and equipment that was largely untested.

Complete with “then-and-now” interviews with the Apollo crew, NASA officials and the astronauts’ wives, “Race” emphasizes the dangers to the three men. Their chances of survival were at best fifty-fifty. Mrs. Anders describes her fears with the stoicism of a fighter pilot’s wife, noting that her worries were no greater than the wives of other pilots then serving over Vietnam.

Other highlights

¢ On three episodes of “Medium” (9 p.m., NBC), visions of a murder (7 p.m.), mistakes and misgivings (8 p.m.), mean as a mother hen (9 p.m.).

¢ On back-to-back episodes of “Prison Break” (Fox), bombs away (7 p.m.), a new victim (8 p.m.).

¢ “Houdini: Unlocking the Mystery” (7 p.m., History) explores the life and death of the legendary illusionist.

¢ The Steelers play host to the Ravens on “Monday Night Football” (7 p.m., ABC).

¢ A celebrated graveyard in Savannah, GA gets a visit from the “Ghost Hunters” (9 p.m., Sci Fi).

¢ “Reel Homes: Real Scary” (10 p.m., HGTV) explores the interior decoration that helps put the haunted house in horror films.