COACH CARTER (2005) 7 p.m. on VH1. Ken Carter (played by Samuel L. Jackson) is a tough-as-nails basketball coach at an inner-city high school in Richmond, Calif., in this drama based on a true story. Coach Carter’s strategy to improve his team’s grades — locking the gym and benching the players — does not go over well with students, parents, staff members or the larger community. Soon enough, though, the approach that made him unpopular, would transform him into a beloved role model.

NATIONAL LAMPOON’S CHRISTMAS VACATION (1989) 8 p.m. on CMT. Celebrate Christmas in July by watching Chevy Chase hurt himself over and over (and over) again in this film that centers on the Griswolds, who are celebrating the holiday with their dysfunctional family. The look of the film was described by Janet Maslin in her 1989 review as “tacky, what with flimsy props and occasionally blurry cinematography.” She added that “the direction by Jeremiah S. Chechik displays comic timing that is uncertain at best.” “In spite of all this, however,” she wrote, “the Griswolds do occasionally have their moments.” So if a sizable helping of 1980s tackiness is what you’re after, consider this cult favorite.