The entire episode is a parody of the three-month Writers Guild of America strike (in a running joke, "World Canadian Bureau" is abbreviated as "WGA" in the episode) and (in the creators' opinions) its insignificant gains.
In the DVD commentary for this episode, Trey Parker revealed that the WGA was grateful that the show's writing staff was united in the strike. However, this turned out to be a false assumption by the WGA. South Park's writing staff didn't join the strike, the strike merely took place during the show's off-season.
YouTube and other Internet video website celebrities parodied in the waiting room scene include (in alphabetical order): - The Afro Ninja. - The Back Dorm Boys (lip-syncing to Backstreet Boys songs). - Gary Brolsma ("Numa Numa"). - Chris Crocker ("Leave Britney Alone!"). - The dramatic chipmunk. - A laughing baby ("Hahaha"). - Jay Maynard, the "Tron (1982) guy". - Jessica Rose (Lonelygirl15 (2006)). - The sneezing panda. - Tay Zonday ("Chocolate Rain"). - Samwell [aka Samwell] (What What (In the Butt) (2007)).
Starting at 5:15, the boys are hanging out and watching "The Terrance and Phillip Show" on TV. They go on to discuss the Canadian strike and the fact that there will be no new episodes until the strike is over. Stan says it's okay and that they can watch "American comedy," at which time they turn channel and start watching "Family Guy." Cartman jumps out of his seat yelling "No, NOOO!! We are NOT resorting to that!" This scene was not just a parody made up for laughs like they have done with so many other people, places, and things throughout the series, but because Trey Parker and Matt Stone truly do HATE "Family Guy." They have always been very, very vocal on their hatred of the show.
First episode to feature Terrance and Phillip but doesn't feature them farting