In the DVD commentary, writer Donick Cary stated that the inspiration for the idea of an episode about stand-up comedy came out of comedy festivals at the time.
The episode was still being animated three weeks before it was due to air and the production process moved frantically shortly before completion.
Krusty's demeanor when he returns to comedy was inspired by George Carlin and Bill Hicks, with black suit, cigarette smoking and anti-consumerism stance.
As an introduction to his speech announcing his retirement from comedy, Krusty recites an excerpt from the poem "To an Athlete Dying Young", by A.E. Housman.
Krusty's "Krustylu Studios" is a spoof on the company Desilu studios, set up by Lucille Ball and her husband Desi Arnaz, where Star Trek (1966) was once filmed.