What is the TV series Utopia?
Utopia is an Australian comedy series on the ABC that satirises government infrastructure projects and bureaucracy. Set in the fictional Nation Building Authority, it first aired in 2014.
The show was created by Working Dog Productions, the team behind The Castle and Have You Been Paying Attention? Rob Sitch stars as Tony Woodford, the long-suffering head of the authority.
Each episode shows Tony and his team trying to deliver major projects, such as railways, airports and dams, while dealing with spin doctors, politicians, consultants and endless meetings.
Too close to reality
Many viewers who work in government say Utopia is painfully accurate, and clips are shared widely online. Its jokes about pointless branding, unworkable timelines and press conferences struck a chord.
Celia Pacquola, Kitty Flanagan, Luke McGregor and Dilruk Jayasinha were among the cast, playing staff who try to keep projects on track amid constant distractions.
The series has won several Logie Awards and has been streamed internationally, finding fans in other countries with similar bureaucracies.
Did You Know?
Utopia ran for five seasons, with its fifth season airing in 2023.