References are made to actors from the TV show "Dawson's Creek" (1998). Katie Holmes is referenced along with real-life husband Tom Cruise in the movie 'A Crazy Little Thing Called Love' based on Hank's book. James Van Der Beek is referenced on a wedding invitation card that reveals Karen's last name to be 'Van Der Beek'. Writers/Executive Producers Tom Kapinos and Gina Fattore both worked on "Dawson's Creek" (1998).
The names of Hank Moody's books ('South of Heaven', 'Seasons in the Abyss', and 'God Hates Us All') are all names of albums by the metal band Slayer.
"Californication" is a compound of 'California' and 'fornication'. Its origin is bumper stickers in Oregon in the late 1970s and early 1980s that read "Don't Californicate Oregon". Red Hot Chili Peppers' 1999 album "Californication" sold over 15 million copies, and as of 2009 is their most successful record.