This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2013, and information in the article may be outdated. It is provided only for personal research purposes and may not be reprinted.
The over-the-top sitcom "1600 Penn" (7:30 p.m., NBC/Channel 5) is reality-based. Sort of.
This show, set inside a fictional White House, counts Jon Lovett as one of its executive producers/writers. Lovett, 29, is a former speechwriter for President Obama.
"I was there for three years," he said. "I think my experience has helped us maybe ground the show and find ways to use real stories as a launching point for these family stories. And I definitely have a lot of stories about the absurdity of Washington."
Again, I wasn't crazy about the pilot. But I like the show more and more as it goes along.
Elsewhere on TV ...
"The Big Bang Theory" • (7 p.m., CBS/Channel 2): The guys go to a comic-book convention; the women stay home and try to understand the appeal of comic books.
"The Last Resort" • (7 p.m, ABC/Channel 4): There's a mutiny, a typhoon and a coup d'etat.
"30 Rock" • (7 p.m., NBC/Channel 5): Jack and Liz make a stunning discovery about Jack's late mother.
"Project Runway All Stars" • (7, 10 and 11 p.m. Lifetime): The remaining contestants travel to France.
Men's college basketball: Pepperdine at BYU • (7 p.m. BYUtv); UCLA at Utah (7:30 p.m., P12N)
"Two and a Half Men" • (7:30 p.m, CBS/Channel 2): Walden thinks he's ready to tell Kate his true identity.
"Person of Interest" • (8 p.m., CBS/Channel 2): Reese has run-ins with enemies both new and old.
"Grey's Anatomy" • (8 p.m., ABC/Channel. 4): Bailey's wedding is on hold while she tries to save Adele's life.
"The Office" • (8 p.m., NBC/Channel 5): Yikes! There's lice in the office.
"Elementary" • (9 p.m, CBS/Channel 2): Holmes faces off against a criminal who followed him to New York from London.
"Scandal" (9 p.m., ABC/Channel 4): An old friend helps Olivia try to free Huck from Homeland Security.
Scott D. Pierce