Shoshanna's experience at the sex club is drawn from Lena Dunham's own visit to a Japanese sex club.
In the scene where Adam, Jessa, and Ray watch the crime show Adam's character has a guest spot on, it is clear the show is a Law & Order (1990)-inspired program. In real life, both Adam Driver and Alex Karpovsky have appeared on Law & Order: Special Victims Unit (1999). In addition, Jemima Kirke's younger sister, actress Lola Kirke, has also appeared on the show.