The main story is modeled after Training Day (2001), while the subplot is modeled after Stand by Me (1986).
This episode was previously announced with the title of Tales from the Citadel, but later changed to The Ricklantis Mixup as a misdirect for the audience.
When officer Rick goes into the back room of the Morty Town Locos (where the crib is), Get Schwifty is spray painted on the wall.
The second episode without the traditional title sequence.
The school teacher Rick that teaches the Mortys in Mortyism is a clear reference to Professor Snape from Harry Potter.