The Krusty Burger Olympic promotion mirrors a marketing stunt that backfired on McDonalds in the 1984. The Soviet Union and East Germany boycotted the games, resulting in the United States winning more gold medals than expected, and McDonalds lost millions giving away free food honoring the promotion.
The scene where Homer builds a scary clown-shaped bed for Bart was inspired by Mike Reiss, whose dad had built him a clown-shaped bed when he was younger, and just like Bart, Reiss was scared of sleeping in it.
The footage of Homer building Bart's clown bed was recycled from him building his Wonderbat in Homer at the Bat (1992).
Maggie's first word (spoken in this episode) is "Daddy." this is the first time Maggie speaks in the series.
The first use of the extended Rockettes/circus opening couch gag which happens to be favorite of creator Matt Groening.