Starting with this episode, the external appearances of the houses in the town were updated, most noticeably the icicles on the roofs being redrawn and trees being placed behind the fences.
This is the last episode to feature the Braniff plane logo at the end, which had started with the premiere episode, Cartman Gets an Anal Probe (1997).
Coincidentally it is also the last episode to feature a black screen as a backdrop in the credits, which had started with the season 2 episode Chickenpox (1998).
George Clooney has stated that he was not offended by his portrayal in "Smug Alert!".
This episode contains a subtle hint that Wendy still has feelings for Stan. When Stan finds out that Kyle is not at Cartman's party he gets angry and leaves. It can briefly be seen that Wendy is worried about Stan and goes to talk to him but hesitates. She then gives Cartman an angry look.