Set inside the offices of the "Nation Building Authority", a newly created government organization responsible for overseeing major infrastructure projects, Utopia explores that moment when bureaucracy and grand dreams collide. It's a tribute to those political leaders who have somehow managed to take a long-term vision and use it for short-term gain. The series follows the working lives of a tight-knit team in charge of guiding big building schemes from announcement to unveiling. Constant shifts in priorities are the order of the day as the staff are asked to come up with plans for everything from new roads and rail lines to airports and high rise urban developments. In short, Utopia examines the forces that go into creating a very well-designed white elephant.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Complete episode guide for Utopia with detailed information about every season and episode including air dates, summaries, ratings, and streaming availability in United States.
This episode guide is organized by seasons, making it easy to track your viewing progress or find specific episodes. Use the episode information to plan your binge-watching sessions or catch up on missed episodes.
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.
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.
After months of work on a large project, Tony gets a request from Jim. Rhonda nominates Nat to be a conference keynote speaker.
Tony tries to stay out of a planning dispute. Meanwhile, Rhonda wants to raise the department's online presence through social media.
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.
Tony tries to take a vacation but is thwarted at every turn. Meanwhile, Karsten complicates plans for an infrastructure conference.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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)
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.
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'.
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.
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.
Tim refuses to get behind a major new government initiative; Nat and Ash are forced to give the minister some bad news.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.