The first single-story episode of the long-running Simpsons "Treehouse of Horror" series, as well as first time the series has aired two "Treehouse of Horror" episodes in the same season, with Treehouse of Horror XXXIII (2022).
This is the third "Treehouse of Parody" parody of a Stephen King property, after "The Shinning" in Treehouse of Horror V (1994) and "The Ned Zone" in Treehouse of Horror XV (2004). Though not a "Treehouse of Horror" episode, the plot of The Blunder Years (2001) is based on Stand by Me (1986).
A fan pointed out on Twitter that Krusto wishes prostate cancer on Homer just like Pennywise does on Richie in the original IT novel. When confronted with this Matt Selman was amazed, which means it might have been included by pure coincidence.
The Simpsons comic book series previously did a parody of Stephen King's 'It' entitled "It Happens."