* The episode title is a parody to the Judy Blume book Tales of a Fourth Grade Nothing.
* The part where Peter has to repeat a grade in order to receive a promotion is a reference to the film Billy Madison, where Billy has to repeat grades in order to prove himself worthy of taking over his father's business.
* Peter's journey to the executive bathroom is a reference to Jurassic Park.
* Peter references Barack Obama's Presidential Campaign's key words "Hope & Change" when he gives the homeless man 'Hope' instead of change.
* Stewie's accident as a field reporter is a reference to an identical accident involving Melissa Sander from Fox 5 news in Atlanta.http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aMS0O3kknvk
* The Detarded is a parody of the 2006 film The Departed.