This was the most watched episode of the series, as well as the most watched HBO broadcast ever, with an estimated 13.43 million viewers. It was eventually surpassed by the 13.6 million viewers of The Iron Throne (2019).
This episode was the first to be aired after the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks. The shot of the Twin Towers in Tony's rearview mirror was removed from the opening credits.
In the scene where Janice and Ralphie are snorting cocaine in the bathroom, Janice says "Oh Bartleby, Oh Humanity," referring to Jackie Jr.'s death. This is the last line from Herman Melville's short story "Bartleby, the Scrivener."
The Magnum P.I. episode that is overheard on the TV is "No More Mr. Nice Guy."
The film Tony is watching while eating his sundae is "Rio Bravo," starring Dean Martin. Dean Martin is also mentioned by Paulie when on the phone explaining why he is locked up.