According to the DVD commentary for this episode, guest star Fran Bennett was in reality an influential acting coach for series star Alison Brie.
Much like Troy's celebrity hero, Levar Burton, Fran Bennett, the actress who played Troy's grandmother, Nana Barnes, also appeared in Star Trek: The Next Generation. She played Fleet Admiral Shanthi in Season 5, Episode 1.
Shirley reveals that her son, Jordan, is named after "the 14 time NBA all-star."
Abed's father returns, and his full name is revealed to be Gobi Nadir.