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Utopia
RELEASED·SERIES·EN

Utopia

Wed, Aug 13, 2014
  • Comedy
Series · Synopsis

Synopsis

Set inside the offices of the “Nation Building Authority”, a federal government organisation responsible for overseeing major infrastructure projects, Utopia explores that moment when bureaucracy and grand dreams collide.

Trailer

Watch the trailer

Where to watch

Streaming on

  • ABC TV↗
Cast

Top of the call sheet

  • Rob Sitch
    Rob Sitch
    as Tony Woodford
  • Celia Pacquola
    Celia Pacquola
    as Nat Russell
  • Dave Lawson
    Dave Lawson
    as Scott Byrnes
  • Kitty Flanagan
    Kitty Flanagan
    as Rhonda Stewart
  • Emma-Louise Wilson
    Emma-Louise Wilson
    as Katie Norris
  • Dilruk Jayasinha
    Dilruk Jayasinha
    as Ashan De Silva
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Episodes

5 seasons · 40 episodes

To Be Determined · 40 aired
Season 1
8 episodes · 8 aired
▾
  • E1
    Wood for the Trees
    Aired · Wed, Aug 13, 2014 · 30m

    Tony's attempts to sign a massive international development deal are compromised by Rhonda's decision to re-design the NBA's logo. Meanwhile, a mix-up from Jim forces Nat to find room for a community garden within a multi-million dollar waterfront development. Matters are further complicated with the impending arrival of a delegation from China.

  • E2
    Protected Species
    Aired · Wed, Aug 20, 2014 · 30m

    Tony is forced to step in when an endangered grass threatens to de-rail plans for a new container terminal. Meanwhile, Rhonda is convinced that the NBA needs a major overhaul of its website, complete with self-generated audio-visual content. Cue the arrival of Karsten and a film crew, along with the formation of a Working Party so large that the office actually runs out of chairs.

  • E3
    Very Fast Turnover
    Aired · Wed, Aug 27, 2014 · 30m

    A trip to Canberra leads to Tony being forced to investigate the feasibility of building a very fast train. What looks like being a 30-year project is made increasingly difficult by the NBA's inability to retain staff for more than a few months. Matters are not made any easier with Amy's decision to conduct an office safety audit.

  • E4
    Onwards and Upwards
    Aired · Wed, Sep 3, 2014 · 30m

    Tony is reluctantly dragged in when the developer of a low-rise inner city building project decides he wants to double the height of his apartment block.... and then triple it again. Meanwhile, Nat's attempt to conduct a performance review on a staff member leads to unexpected trouble. None of this is made any easier by Katie's decision to run a Healthy Choices Month in the office, meaning there's nothing to relieve the stress other than herbal tea and rice crackers.

  • E5
    Arts and Minds
    Aired · Wed, Sep 10, 2014 · 30m

    The decision to include roadside art on a major highway upgrade leads to controversy and a threatened delay to Rhonda's launch. Things go from bad to worse when Tony's visit to a primary school results in the actual launch of Australia's first space program. Throw in major office I.T. issues along with the impending arrival of a delegation from India and it's not a good week for the NBA.

  • E6
    Then We Can Build It
    Aired · Wed, Sep 17, 2014 · 30m

    Concerned that Tasmania's infrastructure needs have been overlooked, Jim sends Tony and the team south for a series of public forums. Back at the office Rhonda's eagerness to spend the personal development budget before the end of the financial year leads to the arrival of Marvin Hudfield, a motivational expert from America with unusual ideas about team-building – and a clarinet. It's going to be a long week.

  • E7
    The First Project
    Aired · Wed, Sep 24, 2014 · 30m

    Slightly disillusioned by his first 11 months in the job, Tony thinks back to when it all began. The launch of the NBA was a great success but within weeks Jim was at his door, desperate for some sort of new public announcement. Stalled in the pre-planning stages, Tony and his team were forced to cope with Rhonda, angry cyclists, plumbing problems and gluten-free muffins. Not an auspicious start.

  • E8
    The Whole Enchilada
    Aired · Wed, Oct 1, 2014 · 30m

    Despite his grave reservations, Tony is forced to evaluate plans for expanding northern Australia's Ord River Scheme. Nat has issues of her own with a stalled highway up-grade. Unfortunately for them the rest of the office is distracted by plans for a Mexican-themed anniversary party. Just when things couldn't get more complicated, Jim makes a shock announcement.

Season 2
8 episodes · 8 aired
▾
  • E1
    A Fresh Start
    Aired · Wed, Aug 19, 2015 · 30m

    It's a new year and Tony is determined to focus on big things. Unfortunately, small things get in the way. Meanwhile, Nat's attempts to assist a local community unleash a multi-billion dollar government initiative.

  • E2
    Shovels Ready
    Aired · Wed, Aug 26, 2015 · 30m

    After years of meticulous planning nothing can prevent a major tunneling project getting started. Except Rhonda. Meanwhile Nat makes the fatal mistake of asking HR for help.

  • E3
    Keep Out - Public Property
    Aired · Wed, Sep 2, 2015 · 30m

    Tony and his team are forced to justify why a new foreshore park now seems to have very little park. Nat is desperate for a parcel to arrive and the entire office gets caught up in Healthy Heart Week.

  • E4
    Dot Dot Dot
    Aired · Wed, Sep 9, 2015 · 30m

    When the Government announces 'Education Nation' it is met with rapturous praise. Only one problem - no one knows what it is. Nat is tasked with handling a Freedom of Information request.

  • E5
    Terminal Problems
    Aired · Wed, Sep 16, 2015 · 30m

    After months of work on a large project, Tony gets a request from Jim. Rhonda nominates Nat to be a conference keynote speaker.

  • E6
    Starting the Conversation
    Aired · Wed, Sep 23, 2015 · 30m

    Tony tries to stay out of a planning dispute. Meanwhile, Rhonda wants to raise the department's online presence through social media.

  • E7
    Reporting for Duty
    Aired · Wed, Sep 30, 2015 · 30m

    When a report finds a tunnel project unviable, a new business case must be made. Nat wants to fire an inept employee. Amy tries to be a barista.

  • E8
    Summit Attempt
    Aired · Wed, Oct 7, 2015 · 30m

    Tony tries to take a vacation but is thwarted at every turn. Meanwhile, Karsten complicates plans for an infrastructure conference.

Season 3
8 episodes · 8 aired
▾
  • E1
    Blue Sky Thinking
    Aired · Wed, Jul 19, 2017 · 30m

    Jim and Rhonda force Tony to help step in and save a flawed government scheme. Nat is driven mad by a local council worried about a proposed development.

  • E2
    Smart Cities
    Aired · Wed, Jul 26, 2017 · 30m

    Rhonda forces Tony to be keynote speaker at the Smart Cities conference. Nat is looking set for a promotion until Beverley from HR decides to step in. The arrival of a new couch has unintended consequences.

  • E3
    Nation Shapers
    Aired · Wed, Aug 2, 2017 · 30m

    Nat is asked to help out the Minister with a problem-plagued I.T. project. Meanwhile, a poor radio interview sees Tony forced to undertake media training. And plans for a staff dinner create tensions within the NBA office.

  • E4
    Clause for Concern
    Aired · Wed, Aug 9, 2017 · 30m

    The NBA team is asked to help out with the sale of a port; Rhonda decides it is time for a digital upgrade; and Tony is forced to spend a night outdoors in the name of charity.

  • E5
    Start Up
    Aired · Wed, Aug 16, 2017 · 30m

    Fresh from a trip to Silicon Valley, Jim asks Tony for help getting the Government involved in the world of start-ups. Meanwhile, a complaint from an ex-employee sees Nat accused of bullying.

  • E6
    Snouts in the Trough
    Aired · Wed, Aug 23, 2017 · 30m

    Jim and Rhonda ask Tony for help building a new airport rail link, but Tony's proposal shocks them both. Meanwhile, Nat has her entire week derailed by a tweet.

  • E7
    On the Defence
    Aired · Wed, Aug 30, 2017 · 30m

    With a major defence white paper about to be launched Jim and Rhonda ask Tony for help. Meanwhile Nat is summoned to Canberra for an exciting new job. Back at the office it is time for a Risk and Safety audit.

  • E8
    Independence Day
    Aired · Wed, Sep 6, 2017 · 30m

    After threatening to resign Tony is offered his own independent infrastructure board but Jim has his own ideas about the word "independent". Rhonda & Beverley decide it's time for a new office reporting structure. (Final)

Season 4
8 episodes · 8 aired
▾
  • E1
    The Law's The Law
    Aired · Wed, Aug 21, 2019 · 30m

    Tony and Jim clash over the best way to tackle high level company tax fraud. Keen to launch a major Government report, Rhonda seeks help from a well-known television personality.

  • E2
    Working With Children
    Aired · Wed, Aug 28, 2019 · 30m

    The arrival of a work experience student leads to unexpected Ministerial developments. Nat is invited to join a prestigious board but soon finds herself clashing with the Chair.

  • E3
    Pipe Dreams
    Aired · Wed, Sep 4, 2019 · 30m

    Tony's opportunity to pitch an important proposal is undermined by computer issues. Nat and Rhonda are forced to deal with community backlash from a prematurely-announced construction project.

  • E4
    Mission Creeps
    Aired · Wed, Sep 11, 2019 · 30m

    Tony is asked by the Minister to oversee the implementation on a new electronic I.D card scheme. Nat and Ash must face the fact that their expensive wildlife project preservation may not have actually preserved any wildlife.

  • E5
    The Blame Game
    Aired · Wed, Sep 18, 2019 · 30m

    Tony is forced to defend himself when Jim and Rhonda try to blame a failed project on the NBA. Nat and Ash prepare for an important overseas trade delegation. And the new office security system proves a little too 'secure'.

  • E6
    Ticks of Approval
    Aired · Wed, Sep 25, 2019 · 30m

    A routine urban development project proves surprisingly difficult for Tony when multiple Government departments get involved. Nat is forced to assist the Minister with a major challenge choosing this year's Christmas cards.

  • E7
    Levers of Power
    Aired · Wed, Oct 2, 2019 · 30m

    Tony is close to wrapping up a major report when Rhonda invites an ABC documentary crew into the office for a week; the staff are divided over the important issue of office catering.

  • E8
    The Ghost Of Christmas Future
    Aired · Wed, Oct 9, 2019 · 30m

    Tim refuses to get behind a major new government initiative; Nat and Ash are forced to give the minister some bad news.

Season 5
8 episodes · 8 aired
▾
  • E1
    The Buck Stops Where?
    Aired · Wed, Jun 7, 2023 · 30m

    The beleaguered staff of the NBA are still trying to get the job done in the face of endless backflips, government interference and ever-shifting priorities. Tony and Scott investigate prolonged delays on a freeway upgrade.

  • E2
    Grand Designs
    Aired · Wed, Jun 14, 2023 · 25m

    Tony cops media heat for a solar scheme with poor public uptake, and a completed bypass is held up from opening due to some signage for a problematic monument. Patrick the accountant torments the office with his stories.

  • E3
    The Promise Land
    Aired · Wed, Jun 21, 2023 · 30m

    The Government stalls on an election promise of the NBA moving to independent status and the office undergoes workplace respect training, complicating a prospective romance between Nat and a visiting consultant.

  • E4
    Tunnel Vision
    Aired · Wed, Jun 28, 2023 · 30m

    Jim ups security measures while trying to sway the outcome of tenders for an international partnership. Nat is infuriated by her new assistant. The office is challenged by a group of school kids on green energy initiatives.

  • E5
    Lights, Camera, Inaction
    Aired · Wed, Jul 5, 2023 · 30m

    Tony is frozen out by the Minister when he's reluctant to announce an ambitious new project. The NBA comes under scrutiny by UNESCO over the Great Barrier Reef's endangerment status. Scott starts an NBA TikTok account.

  • E6
    Story Time
    Aired · Wed, Jul 12, 2023 · 30m

    Rhonda forces Tony to fast track a long-term regional rail project. Nat goes the wrong kind of viral for a problematic photo. Ash investigates a recurring charge on the company account, while adjusting to his new e-scooter.

  • E7
    Frequently Avoided Questions
    Aired · Wed, Jul 19, 2023 · 25m

    A security consultant creates stress by leveling up the NBA's cyber safety. Nat faces the consequences of an inept employee. Jim lumps Tony with responding to a freight report the Minister's failed to act upon.

  • E8
    Wide Awoke
    Aired · Wed, Jul 26, 2023 · 30m

    Nat and Ash work on deciphering who owns the title on an historic project. Tony's important presentation is derailed by Rhonda's insistence that the office undergoes an E.S.G pulse check. Brian works on securing the building.