The news coverage showing Homer knocked out in the bathroom with the shower curtain draped over him, and the voice-over saying he slept in an oxygen tent believing it would enhance his sexual powers, is a reference to widespread tabloid rumors saying that Michael Jackson slept in a hyperbaric oxygen chamber in an attempt to slow the aging process.
This was the first ever episode to be rated 12 in the United Kingdom due to moderate sexual references (including themes of sexual harassment and voyeurism).
The talk show "Ben", which is hosted by a bear named "Gentle Ben" wearing a microphone on its head, reflects the writers' feeling that anyone could host a talk show because all they need is a microphone and an audience.
Several gags in the episode are based on what real life shows like Hard Copy (1989) would do, such as making people look to be guilty without a trial as well as a complete invasion of privacy by setting up camp outside people's homes.
Greg Daniels, the writer of the episode, originally pitched this episode as being more centered on Lisa and Homer's opposing ideas on feminism. Eventually, the episode became more of a satire of the media and television shows like Hard Copy (1989).