Utopia (Australian TV series)

Last updated

Utopia
Utopia Australian TV series title.png
Also known asDreamland (US)
GenreComedy
Created by
Written by
  • Rob Sitch
  • Santo Cilauro
  • Tom Gleisner
Directed byRob Sitch
Starring
Country of originAustralia
Original languageEnglish
No. of series5
No. of episodes40
Production
Executive producerMichael Hirsh
Producers
  • Rob Sitch
  • Santo Cilauro
  • Tom Gleisner
Production locations Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
Production company Working Dog Productions
Original release
Network ABC
Release13 August 2014 (2014-08-13) –
present

Utopia, internationally titled Dreamland, is an Australian television comedy series by Working Dog Productions that premiered on the ABC on 13 August 2014. The series follows the working lives of a team in the fictional Nation Building Authority, a newly created government organisation. The Authority is responsible for overseeing major infrastructure projects, from announcement to unveiling. The series explores the collision between bureaucracy and grand ambitions. [1] The second series aired in 2015, beginning with the first episode on 19 August 2015. The third series aired in 2017, beginning with the first episode on 19 July 2017. [2] The fourth series aired in 2019, beginning on 21 August 2019. [3] A fifth series aired from 7 June 2023. [4]

Contents

Plot

The series is set inside the offices of the fictional Nation Building Authority, a newly created government organisation responsible for overseeing major infrastructure projects ranging from new roads and rail lines to airports and high rise urban developments. It follows the working lives of a tight-knit team of bureaucrats in charge of guiding big building schemes from announcement to unveiling. Throughout the series grand projects are frustrated by self-interest, publicity stunts, constant shifts in political priorities and bureaucracy.

The series features a number of recurring themes. The office is continually focused on various fads. In one episode, staff become obsessed with exercise after a visit from a Heart Smart representative, practising communal yoga in the office at regular intervals. In another episode, Amy (Davidson) hires an indoor plant consultant, making major changes to office air conditioning and lighting, after Tony's (Sitch) plant dies and he asks for a replacement.

Rhonda (Flanagan) frequently attends conferences or workshops on various forms of online media. She returns to the office enthusiastically and doggedly drawing priorities away from important projects to superficial online projects on how to engage more with their relevant "audience".

Background

Utopia is written and produced by three of the founding members of Working Dog Productions: Rob Sitch, Santo Cilauro and Tom Gleisner. It is produced by Michael Hirsh, directed by Sitch who also stars as one of the main characters Tony, and casting managed by Jane Kennedy. [5] When casting, Sitch wanted to have actors who possessed a certain acting style, that appeared as if nothing absurd was going on. Sitch described the series as being about "the currency of grand dreams". He described that the idea of the "Nation Building Authority" was to portray it as one of those things that got set up in a bit of a mad rush and that under all the grand dreams there was a white elephant waiting to appear. [5] Utopia continues on the satirical themes of other Working Dog works such as Frontline and The Hollowmen . Sitch also noted that the series was more observational than satirical and that it depicted how organisations may or may not function. [5] When creating the show, Gleisner said the production team spoke to people who worked with government authorities and had experienced for themselves the daily unpredictabilities of working in these environments. [6]

Characters

Main cast

Recurring characters

Guests

Series overview

SeriesEpisodesOriginally aired
First airedLast aired
1 813 August 2014 (2014-08-13)1 October 2014 (2014-10-01)
2 819 August 2015 (2015-08-19)7 October 2015 (2015-10-07)
3 819 July 2017 (2017-07-19)6 September 2017 (2017-09-06)
4 821 August 2019 (2019-08-21)9 October 2019 (2019-10-09)
5 87 June 2023 (2023-06-07)26 July 2023 (2023-07-26)

Episodes

Series 1 (2014)

No.
overall		No. in
series		TitleDirected byWritten byOriginal air dateAUS viewers
(millions)
11"Wood for the Trees" Rob Sitch Rob Sitch, Santo Cilauro and Tom Gleisner 13 August 2014 (2014-08-13)0.778 [7]
Welcome to the Nation Building Authority – where no dream is off the table and no infrastructure project too big...except not really. CEO Tony, 2IC Nat, media manager Rhonda, government liaison Jim, project agents Scotty & Hugh, consultant Karsten and assistants Katie & Amy all make up one of the most dysfunctional workplaces in Australia. Tony's attempts to close a huge international deal are thwarted by Rhonda's insistence on a new logo; Jim's department inadvertently adds a community garden to the list of promises in an urban renewal scheme and asks Nat to intervene.
22"Protected Species"Rob SitchRob Sitch, Santo Cilauro & Tom Gleisner20 August 2014 (2014-08-20)0.597 [8]
A massive new project for the NBA is jeopardised by the discovery of a rare grass on the proposed site; Rhonda decides the NBA website needs a dramatic overhaul, enlisting Karsten and his film crew to do it.
33"Very Fast Turnover"Rob SitchRob Sitch, Santo Cilauro & Tom Gleisner27 August 2014 (2014-08-27)0.663 [9]
Jim pushes Tony into investigating the feasibility of a very fast train connecting Melbourne, Sydney and Brisbane despite nearly 50 years of studies positing its lack of viability. Amy audits the office's safety protocols.
44"Onwards and Upwards"Rob SitchRob Sitch, Santo Cilauro & Tom Gleisner3 September 2014 (2014-09-03)0.566 [10]
An in-demand residential developer asks the NBA to step in and help him to add 35 more stories to his proposed apartment building. A new employee asks Nat to conduct a performance review of him, which creates tension between Nat and the human resources department.
55"Arts and Minds"Rob SitchRob Sitch, Santo Cilauro & Tom Gleisner10 September 2014 (2014-09-10)0.614 [11]
A government initiative to commemorate the completion of a new road by installing roadside art creates a host of problems for Nat and Hugh; Tony is asked to visit a local primary school, which somehow puts into motion the possibility of Australia's first space program.
66"Then We Can Build It"Rob SitchRob Sitch, Santo Cilauro & Tom Gleisner17 September 2014 (2014-09-17)0.603 [12]
Jim fields complaints that the Authority's developments have largely ignored Tasmanian interests, so he sends Tony, Katie and Scotty to Tasmania to host a series of community suggestions for a new project. Rhonda and Amy organise an internationally-renowned motivational expert to conduct a week-long incursion at the NBA offices.
77"The First Project"Rob SitchRob Sitch, Santo Cilauro & Tom Gleisner24 September 2014 (2014-09-24)0.620 [13]
Tony reflects back on his first week on the job: a mess of angry cyclists, teething problems and plumbing issues.
88"The Whole Enchilada"Rob SitchRob Sitch, Santo Cilauro & Tom Gleisner1 October 2014 (2014-10-01)0.620 [14]
The complete and utter failure of the Northern Food Bowl project leads Jim to ask Tony to take a look. Nat deals with delays in a Perth freeway upgrade and the Western Australian public relations departments. Jim announces a big shake-up at the NBA.

Series 2 (2015)

No.
overall		No. in
series		TitleDirected byWritten byOriginal air dateAUS viewers
(millions)
91"A Fresh Start"Rob SitchRob Sitch, Santo Cilauro & Tom Gleisner19 August 2015 (2015-08-19)0.779 [15]
Back with a vengeance, Tony is determined to kick off the newly expanded NBA with efficiency, however is foiled at every turn by office distractions, fitness initiatives and tech issues. Nat is touched by Katie's hometown banding together to raise $30,000 to fix their local swimming pool, and vows to help, inadvertently triggering a billion-dollar rural health initiative in the process.
102"Shovels Ready"Rob SitchRob Sitch, Santo Cilauro & Tom Gleisner26 August 2015 (2015-08-26)0.738 [16]
Tony is excited to finally get started on a tunnelling project on the verge of construction, however Rhonda's insistence on a fanciful launch event jeopardises the entire project. Exhausted from constant commuting back and forth from the NBA's Brisbane office, Nat asks the human resources department to hire a colleague as a manager there, but HR have other ideas.
113"Keep Out – Public Property"Rob SitchRob Sitch, Santo Cilauro & Tom Gleisner2 September 2015 (2015-09-02)0.769 [17]
Faced with questions about why a new parkland project has no parkland, Tony and the Authority have no answers. Nat is desperate to receive contracts from Adelaide, but the NBA's new courier isn't as efficient as she would have hoped. Healthy Heart Week hits the office.
124"Dot Dot Dot"Rob SitchRob Sitch, Santo Cilauro & Tom Gleisner9 September 2015 (2015-09-09)0.845 [18]
After the Prime Minister foolishly promises an 'Education Nation' initiative to the media, Jim asks Tony to create one for him. Nat receives a Freedom of Information request, and goes to Rhonda and Hugh for help.
135"Terminal Problems"Rob SitchRob Sitch, Santo Cilauro & Tom Gleisner16 September 2015 (2015-09-16)0.797 [19]
After conducting over six months' work on a proposal for Sydney's second airport, Jim asks Tony to find a way to kill the project due to electoral pressure on the Prime Minister. Rhonda nominates Nat as the keynote speaker for a Women In Power conference, and enlists Karsten to 'improve' Nat's story.
146"Starting the Conversation"Rob SitchRob Sitch, Santo Cilauro & Tom Gleisner23 September 2015 (2015-09-23)0.803 [20]
Jim is pressured by a band of housing developers to rezone large swaths of farmland – a request he palms off to Tony. Rhonda's recent attendance at a conference on social media engagement creates a bit of a distraction for the NBA employees.
157"Reporting for Duty"Rob SitchRob Sitch, Santo Cilauro & Tom Gleisner30 September 2015 (2015-09-30)0.866 [21]
Tony and the team work to somehow justify a cross-city tunnelling project that all experts agree is not viable. Angered by the incompetence of an employee, Nat attempts to fire her. Amy becomes the barista of the office.
168"Summit Attempt"Rob SitchRob Sitch, Santo Cilauro & Tom Gleisner7 October 2015 (2015-10-07)0.756 [22]
Tony is determined to take his vacation, but is consistently thwarted by a host of problems in the office. An infrastructure conference is coming up, but Karsten and Rhonda's involvement causes complications.

Series 3 (2017)

No.
overall		No. in
series		TitleDirected byWritten byOriginal air dateAUS viewers
(millions)
171"Blue Sky Thinking"Rob SitchRob Sitch, Santo Cilauro & Tom Gleisner19 July 2017 (2017-07-19)0.842 [23]
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 diversity and inclusion in a proposal. The staff of the NBA also run a local talent contest.
182"Smart Cities"Rob SitchRob Sitch, Santo Cilauro & Tom Gleisner26 July 2017 (2017-07-26)0.647 [24]
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.
193"Nation Shapers"Rob SitchRob Sitch, Santo Cilauro & Tom Gleisner2 August 2017 (2017-08-02)0.674 [25]
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.
204"Clause For Concern"Rob SitchRob Sitch, Santo Cilauro & Tom Gleisner9 August 2017 (2017-08-09)0.721 [26]
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.
215"Start Up"Rob SitchRob Sitch, Santo Cilauro & Tom Gleisner16 August 2017 (2017-08-16)0.684 [27]
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.
226"Snouts In The Trough"Rob SitchRob Sitch, Santo Cilauro & Tom Gleisner23 August 2017 (2017-08-23)0.702 [28]
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.
237"On The Defence"Rob SitchRob Sitch, Santo Cilauro & Tom Gleisner30 August 2017 (2017-08-30)0.744 [29]
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.
248"Independence Day"Rob SitchRob Sitch, Santo Cilauro & Tom Gleisner6 September 2017 (2017-09-06)0.739 [30]
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.

Series 4 (2019)

No.
overall		No. in
series		TitleDirected byWritten byOriginal air dateAUS viewers
(millions)
251"The Law's The Law"Rob SitchRob Sitch, Santo Cilauro & Tom Gleisner21 August 2019 (2019-08-21)0.711 [31]
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.
262"Working With Children"Rob SitchRob Sitch, Santo Cilauro & Tom Gleisner28 August 2019 (2019-08-28)0.660 [32]
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.
273"Pipe Dreams"Rob SitchRob Sitch, Santo Cilauro & Tom Gleisner4 September 2019 (2019-09-04)0.442 [33]
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.
284"Mission Creeps"Rob SitchRob Sitch, Santo Cilauro & Tom Gleisner11 September 2019 (2019-09-11)0.595 [34]
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.
295"The Blame Game"Rob SitchRob Sitch, Santo Cilauro & Tom Gleisner18 September 2019 (2019-09-18)0.572 [35]
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'.
306"Ticks Of Approval"Rob SitchRob Sitch, Santo Cilauro & Tom Gleisner25 September 2019 (2019-09-25)0.638 [36]
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.
317"Levers of Power"Rob SitchRob Sitch, Santo Cilauro & Tom Gleisner2 October 2019 (2019-10-02)0.569 [37]
Tony is on the verge of completing a major report when Rhonda invites an ABC documentary crew to spend a week in the NBA offices. And the NBA staff are divided over an important issue of office catering.
328"The Ghost Of Christmas Future"Rob SitchRob Sitch, Santo Cilauro & Tom Gleisner9 October 2019 (2019-10-09)0.571 [38]
Following a trip to Canberra Tony finds himself at loggerheads with Rhonda and Jim after he refuses to back a major new government initiative. Nat and Ash are forced to break some bad news to the Minister.

Series 5 (2023)

No.
overall		No. in
series		TitleDirected byWritten byOriginal air dateAUS viewers
(millions)
331"The Buck Stops Where?"Rob SitchRob Sitch, Santo Cilauro & Tom Gleisner7 June 2023 (2023-06-07)0.607 [39]
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.
342"Grand Designs"Rob SitchRob Sitch, Santo Cilauro & Tom Gleisner14 June 2023 (2023-06-14)0.557 [40]
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.
353"The Promise Land"Rob SitchRob Sitch, Santo Cilauro & Tom Gleisner21 June 2023 (2023-06-21)0.474 [41]
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.
364"Tunnel Vision"Rob SitchRob Sitch, Santo Cilauro & Tom Gleisner28 June 2023 (2023-06-28)0.590 [42]
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 on green energy initiatives.
375"Lights, Camera, Inaction"Rob SitchRob Sitch, Santo Cilauro & Tom Gleisner5 July 2023 (2023-07-05)0.521 [43]
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.
386"Story Time"Rob SitchRob Sitch, Santo Cilauro & Tom Gleisner12 July 2023 (2023-07-12)0.498 [44]
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.
397"Frequently Avoided Questions"Rob SitchRob Sitch, Santo Cilauro & Tom Gleisner19 July 2023 (2023-07-19)0.455 [45]
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.
408"Wide Awoke"Rob SitchRob Sitch, Santo Cilauro & Tom Gleisner26 July 2023 (2023-07-26)0.504 [46]
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.

Reception

Anne Pender, writing for The Conversation, described Utopia as "light – but sharp and witty" political satire. She praised the talents of the writers and the cast of "exceptional actors". She also noted that it was an improvement from The Speechmaker, a stage show that Sitch and Working Dog Productions put together earlier in 2014. [47] David Knox from TV Tonight noted the show's similarity to Sitch's previous work, The Hollowmen . In addition to praising the performances of cast members, he opined that the city backdrop of East Melbourne gave the series a "fresh, contemporary feel" accompanied by a "driving percussion soundtrack" and "cityscape montages". [48] Ahmad Kahn from The Huffington Post drew comparisons with the earlier and more cynical seasons of American workplace comedies The Office and Parks and Recreation , as well as saying that Utopia offers a "painfully funny satire that focuses on the interaction between the media and press friendly projects wanted by government administrations and the disparities it presents to those in the agency who would prefer practicality." [49]

Netflix purchased the rights to the program in 2015 to broadcast the first two series under the title Dreamland. [50] Series 1 began airing on PBS in the United States on 21 July 2018.

Awards and nominations

YearAwardCategoryRecipients and nomineesResult
2015 4th AACTA Awards [51] Best Television Comedy Series UtopiaWon
Best Performance in a Television Comedy Celia Pacquola for UtopiaNominated
Logie Awards [52] Most Outstanding Comedy ProgramUtopiaWon
5th AACTA Awards [53] Best Television Comedy SeriesUtopiaNominated
Best Performance in a Television ComedyCelia Pacquola for UtopiaWon
2016 Logie Awards Most Outstanding Comedy ProgramUtopiaNominated
2017 7th AACTA Awards [54] Best Comedy SeriesUtopiaWon
Best Comedy Performance Rob Sitch for UtopiaNominated
Best Screenplay in TelevisionUtopiaNominated
Best Editing in TelevisionPhil Simon and Santo Cilauro for UtopiaNominated
2018 Logie Awards Graham Kennedy Award for Most Popular New Talent Dilruk Jayasinha for UtopiaWon
Most Popular ActressCelia Pacquola for UtopiaNominated
2019 9th AACTA Awards [55] Best Comedy SeriesUtopiaNominated
Best TeleplayUtopiaNominated

See also

Related Research Articles

<i>The Chaser election specials</i> Australian TV series or program

The Chaser election specials are a number of Australian political satire based comedy programs produced by The Chaser. The shows, which have run under various titles, provide commentary on Australian federal election and has been produced since 2001 for ABC TV. The first show, The Election Chaser in 2001 was the first ever television production of the Chaser team. In 2004 and 2007 they produced The Chaser Decides which won the Logie Award for "Most Outstanding Comedy Program" for the 2004 series. In 2010, the Chaser team produced a 5-episode series about the 2010 election, called Yes We Canberra!. A new series was produced for the 2013 election, called The Hamster Decides.The Chaser's Election Desk aired in the six weeks prior to the 2016 federal election.

<i>The Block</i> (Australian TV series) Australian reality television series

The Block is an Australian reality television series broadcast on the Nine Network. The series follows four or five couples as they compete against each other to renovate and style houses/apartments and sell them at auction for the highest price.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Sonia Kruger</span> Australian television presenter and media personality

Sonia Melissa Kruger is an Australian Gold Logie award-winning television presenter, actress and media personality, who has been a prominent figure in the media for over 20 years. Kruger is currently the host of Big Brother Australia and a presenter on The Voice Australia. She is best known for co-hosting the popular Australian version of Dancing with the Stars and for the role of Tina Sparkle in the dark 1992 film Strictly Ballroom, Kruger has also been a co-host of breakfast program Today Extra.

Kate Jenkinson is an Australian actress, known for her various roles on The Wedge, as well as her role of Kendall Quinn on Super Fun Night. She is known for her role as Allie Novak in the Australian TV series Wentworth.

<i>Rake</i> (Australian TV series) Australian television series (2010-2018)

Rake is an Australian television program, produced by Essential Media and Entertainment, that first aired on the ABC TV in 2010. It stars Richard Roxburgh as the rakish Cleaver Greene, a brilliant but self-destructive Sydney barrister, defending a usually guilty client. The fifth and final series went into production in October 2017 and premiered on 19 August 2018.

At Home with Julia is a four-part Australian sitcom television series, created and written by Amanda Bishop, Rick Kalowski and Phil Lloyd, which debuted on 7 September 2011 on ABC1. A re-run of the series aired on ABC2 in April 2012. The series ran in syndication in the United States on the Vibrant TV Network.

<i>Shaun Micallefs Mad as Hell</i> Australian television series

Shaun Micallef's Mad as Hell is an Australian comedy news television program hosted by Shaun Micallef. The show first aired on ABC at 8:00 pm on Friday, 25 May 2012. The show was named as Most Outstanding Comedy Program at the Logie Awards of 2016. Its title is a reference to the 1976 American satirical black comedy-drama film Network.

<i>Rosehaven</i> Australian comedy television series

Rosehaven is an Australian television comedy series created and written by Celia Pacquola and Luke McGregor, who also star in the lead roles. Its name derives from the fictional small town in rural Tasmania in which it is set. Premiering on 12 October 2016 on ABC TV, the series finished after its fifth season on 22 September 2021.

<i>Doctor Doctor</i> (Australian TV series) Australian television drama series

Doctor Doctor is an Australian television drama created by Tony McNamara, Ian Collie and Alan Harris, which premiered on the Nine Network on 14 September 2016, lasting five seasons, concluding on 23 June 2021. The cast includes Rodger Corser, Nicole da Silva, Ryan Johnson, Tina Bursill, Hayley McElhinney and Steve Bisley, and follows the story of Hugh Knight, a rising heart surgeon who is gifted, charming and infallible. He is a hedonist who, due to his sheer talent, believes he can live outside the rules. His "work hard, play harder" philosophy eventually comes to 'bite' him. The series was originally produced by Essential Media & Entertainment and Easy Tiger Productions in association with Screen NSW. Andy Ryan and Jo Rooney served as executive producers.

The fourth season of The Real Housewives of Melbourne, an Australian reality television series, was broadcast on Arena. It aired from 6 December 2017, until 21 February 2018, and was primarily filmed in Melbourne, Victoria. Its executive producers are Kylie Washington and Lisa Potasz for Matchbox Pictures, part of NBCUniversal International Studios, in conjunction with Foxtel.

Pacific Heat is an Australian adult animated sitcom co-created by Rob Sitch, Santo Cilauro, and Tom Gleisner. The series is a Working Dog production for Foxtel's The Comedy Channel. The series, which was first commissioned by Foxtel in February 2014, premiered on The Comedy Channel on 27 November 2016. It was repeated on Network Ten on Monday 8 May for special preview and Eleven on Wednesday 10 May 2017.

<i>Frayed</i> (TV series) Australian and British television comedy-drama series

Frayed is an Australian-British comedy-drama television series on ABC TV and Sky UK. It premiered in the United Kingdom on 26 September 2019 and in Australia on 16 October. The series was created and written by Australian comedian Sarah Kendall, who also stars in it. The first series of six episodes is set in 1988 London and Newcastle, New South Wales. Kendall portrays Sammy, who is an affluent Australian-born British resident with two teenage children. After her husband dies disgracefully and leaves a bankrupt estate, Sammy returns home to live with her mother Jean and younger brother Jim. She encounters former boyfriend Dan and works for politician Chris, while fending off Jim's abrasive girlfriend Bev.

Lego Masters is an Australian reality television show based on the British series of the same name in which teams compete to build the best Lego project. It is hosted by Hamish Blake and judged by Lego designer Ryan "The Brickman" McNaught. The series premiered on 28 April 2019 on Nine Network.

Fayssal Bazzi is an Australian actor. He was nominated for the 2018 AACTA Award for Best Actor in a Supporting Role for his role in The Merger and again in 2020 for Measure for Measure.

Fisk is an Australian television comedy series on ABC Television, first airing on 17 March 2021. The series revolves around the life of lawyer Helen Tudor-Fisk, who leaves Sydney for Melbourne after her career and marriage fall apart. She then finds work at a small solicitors that specialises in probate law.

Catherine Văn-Davies is an Australian actress of Vietnamese descent.

Summer Love is an Australian ensemble comedy series on ABC TV, first airing on 31 August 2022. The eight-part anthology series was created and produced by Robyn Butler and Wayne Hope.

References

  1. ↑ Knox, David (30 July 2014). "Airdate Utopia". tvtonight.com.au. Retrieved 30 July 2014.
  2. ↑ "Trailer: Utopia – Series 3 Ep 1 9:00pm Wed 19 Jul ABC : ABC iview". iview.abc.net.au. Retrieved 16 June 2017.
  3. ↑ Knox, David (21 July 2019). "Returning: Utopia". TV Tonight. Retrieved 21 July 2019.
  4. ↑ Wearring, Myles (3 June 2023). "Celia Pacquola still amazed when Utopia predicts real-life bureaucratic absurdities". ABC News. Retrieved 3 June 2023.
  5. 1 2 3 Enker, Debi (7 August 2014). "Working Dog productions hits Utopia jackpot". The Age . Retrieved 24 September 2014.
  6. ↑ Thomson, Phillip (9 August 2014). "ABC finds Utopia is in the public service". The Age . Retrieved 24 September 2014.
  7. ↑ Knox, David (14 August 2014). "Comedy debut tops Drama return". tvtonight.com.au. Retrieved 16 August 2014.
  8. ↑ Knox, David (21 August 2014). "Ready for the ratings J-Curve". tvtonight.com.au. Retrieved 21 August 2014.
  9. ↑ Knox, David (28 August 2014). "No Wonderland for TEN as Seven wins Wednesday". tvtonight.com.au. Retrieved 28 August 2014.
  10. ↑ Knox, David (4 September 2014). "Wednesday 3 September 2014". tvtonight.com.au. Retrieved 5 September 2014.
  11. ↑ Knox, David (11 September 2014). "Wednesday 10 September 2014". tvtonight.com.au. Retrieved 11 September 2014.
  12. ↑ Knox, David (18 September 2014). "Wednesday 17 September 2014". tvtonight.com.au. Retrieved 18 September 2014.
  13. ↑ Knox, David (25 September 2014). "Wednesday 14 September 2014". tvtonight.com.au. Retrieved 26 September 2014.
  14. ↑ Knox, David (1 October 2014). "Wednesday 1 October 2014". tvtonight.com.au. Retrieved 2 October 2014.
  15. ↑ Knox, David (20 August 2015). "Wednesday 19 August 2015". tvtonight.com.au. Retrieved 20 August 2015.
  16. ↑ Knox, David (27 August 2015). "Wednesday 26 August 2015". tvtonight.com.au. Retrieved 27 August 2015.
  17. ↑ Knox, David (3 September 2015). "Series high for Bachelor, Nine takes Wednesday". tvtonight.com.au. Retrieved 3 September 2015.
  18. ↑ Knox, David (10 September 2015). "Wednesday 9 September 2015". tvtonight.com.au. Retrieved 10 September 2015.
  19. ↑ Knox, David (17 September 2015). "Wednesday 16 September 2015". tvtonight.com.au. Retrieved 17 September 2015.
  20. ↑ Knox, David (24 September 2015). "Wednesday 23 September 2015". tvtonight.com.au. Retrieved 24 September 2015.
  21. ↑ Knox, David (1 October 2015). "Wednesday 30 September 2015". tvtonight.com.au. Retrieved 1 October 2015.
  22. ↑ Knox, David (8 October 2015). "Wednesday 7 October 2015". tvtonight.com.au. Retrieved 8 October 2015.
  23. ↑ Knox, David (20 July 2017). "Wednesday 19 July 2017". TV Tonight. Retrieved 20 July 2017.
  24. ↑ Knox, David (27 July 2017). "Wednesday 26 July 2017". TV Tonight. Retrieved 29 July 2017.
  25. ↑ Knox, David (3 August 2017). "Wednesday 2 August 2017". TV Tonight. Retrieved 3 August 2017.
  26. ↑ Knox, David (10 August 2017). "Wednesday 9 August 2017". TV Tonight. Retrieved 16 August 2017.
  27. ↑ Knox, David (17 August 2017). "Wednesday 16 August 2017". TV Tonight. Retrieved 17 August 2017.
  28. ↑ Knox, David (24 August 2017). "Wednesday 23 August 2017". TV Tonight. Retrieved 25 August 2017.
  29. ↑ Knox, David (31 August 2017). "Wednesday 30 August 2017". TV Tonight. Retrieved 31 August 2017.
  30. ↑ Knox, David (7 September 2017). "Wednesday 6 September 2017". TV Tonight. Retrieved 7 September 2017.
  31. ↑ Knox, David (22 August 2019). "Wednesday 21 August 2019". TV Tonight. Retrieved 22 August 2019.
  32. ↑ Knox, David (29 August 2019). "Wednesday 28 August 2019". TV Tonight. Retrieved 30 August 2019.
  33. ↑ Knox, David (5 September 2019). "Wednesday 4 September 2019". TV Tonight. Retrieved 20 September 2019.
  34. ↑ Knox, David (12 September 2019). "Wednesday 11 September 2019". TV Tonight. Retrieved 20 September 2019.
  35. ↑ Knox, David (19 September 2019). "Wednesday 18 September 2019". TV Tonight. Retrieved 20 September 2019.
  36. ↑ Knox, David (26 September 2019). "Wednesday 25 September 2019". TV Tonight. Retrieved 26 September 2019.
  37. ↑ Knox, David (3 October 2019). "Wednesday 2 October 2019". TV Tonight. Retrieved 3 October 2019.
  38. ↑ Knox, David (10 October 2019). "Wednesday 9 October 2019". TV Tonight. Retrieved 24 October 2019.
  39. ↑ Knox, David (8 June 2023). "Wednesday 7 June 2023". TV Tonight. Retrieved 8 June 2023.
  40. ↑ Knox, David (15 June 2023). "Wednesday 14 June 2023". TV Tonight. Retrieved 12 July 2023.
  41. ↑ Knox, David (13 July 2023). "Wednesday 21 June 2023". TV Tonight. Retrieved 13 July 2023.
  42. ↑ Knox, David (13 July 2023). "Wednesday 28 June 2023". TV Tonight. Retrieved 13 July 2023.
  43. ↑ Knox, David (13 July 2023). "Wednesday 5 July 2023". TV Tonight. Retrieved 13 July 2023.
  44. ↑ Knox, David (13 July 2023). "Wednesday 12 July 2023". TV Tonight. Retrieved 13 July 2023.
  45. ↑ Knox, David (20 July 2023). "Wednesday 12 July 2023". TV Tonight. Retrieved 31 July 2023.
  46. ↑ Knox, David (27 July 2023). "Wednesday 12 July 2023". TV Tonight. Retrieved 31 July 2023.
  47. ↑ Pender, Anne (21 August 2014). "Working Dog's Utopia is a welcome satirical treat". The Conversation . Retrieved 24 September 2014.
  48. ↑ Knox, David (13 August 2014). "Utopia". TV Tonight . Retrieved 24 September 2014.
  49. ↑ Journalist, Ahmad Khan Freelance; Strategist, Media/Tech (15 July 2016). "A Hidden Gem: Australian Comedy Dreamland is a Must-Watch". The Huffington Post. Retrieved 9 August 2016.
  50. ↑ Idato, Michael (23 July 2015). "Netflix buys hit Australian comedy series Utopia from Working Dog". The Sydney Morning Herald . Fairfax Media . Retrieved 23 July 2015.
  51. ↑ "4th AACTA Awards Nominees & Winners" (PDF). Australian Academy of Cinema and Television Arts. Archived from the original (PDF) on 2 May 2015. Retrieved 12 July 2014.
  52. ↑ "Logies 2015: full list of award winners". The Sydney Morning Herald. 3 May 2015. Retrieved 20 August 2015.
  53. ↑ Maddox, Garry (30 November 2015). "AACTA Awards 2015: first round goes to Mad Max:Fury Road". Sydney Morning Herald. Fairfax Media. Retrieved 30 November 2015.
  54. ↑ "Past Awards - 7th AACTA Awards". AFI AACTA. Australian Academy of Cinema and Television Arts. Retrieved 23 July 2020.
  55. ↑ "Winners & Nominees". Aacta.org. Retrieved 6 December 2019.
This page is based on this Wikipedia article
Text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 license; additional terms may apply.
Images, videos and audio are available under their respective licenses.