Clown was inspired by a real person. While in college, creators Eileen Heisler and DeAnn Heline were visiting a friend in the village when an old man emerged from the closet and went into the kitchen to make tea. Their friend remarked, "Pay no attention to him. He's just a dying clown."
In the pilot episode, Marni tries to get a date to sing "Mahna Mahna" with her. In later episodes, it turns out to be her cellphone's ringtone.
Only one scene of one episode takes place outside of NY. In "The Return of Todd Episode" Blinky lives in Miami.