An early idea for the series saw Krusty the Clown being revealed as Homer Simpson's secret stage identity. This storyline never developed, but this episode allowed writers to comment upon the design similarity of the two characters. Krusty's appearance and design is just that of Homer's, with clown make-up. David Silverman enhanced the lines under Krusty's eyes, and reshaped his beard line in order to make a clearer distinction between the two characters.
David Mirkin commented that Dick Cavett's part was probably the "meanest" they had ever been to a guest star. Cavett often told stories involving himself and other famous people and Mirkin decided to make light of that. Cavett did not have any objections.
The glasses in the mob bar play "Speak Softly, Love", the theme from The Godfather.
While Krusty the Clown's accountant warns him against wasting money, Krusty lights a cigarette by setting fire to a copy of Action Comics issue #1 (which introduced Superman), generally considered the most valuable comic ever printed. If sold, the value would be about $1 million US.)
Under the sign Krusty Clown College reads "Formerly Willie Nelson's House'. On November 9th, 1990, federal agents seized Nelson's properties in six states after estimating Nelson's total tax debt to be roughly $32 million. Nelson and the IRS finally settled on a total of $9 million in back taxes and fees to be paid in 1993.