Jerry Springer is mentioned on page 7 of the script in reference to Izzy's "bar fight". Here is a link to his website, there is a profile for the host Jerry Springer, and on the home page are videos of exactly what kind of drama goes on his show. http://www.jerryspringertv.com/team/jerry-springer
On page 13, the Clean Indoor Air Act is mentioned. In New York, it was enacted in 2003 and prohibited smoking in public places indoors. This page explains a little more about the law and why it was started.
Here is an an article that shows the supposed proof of the "Kennedy Curse". It outlines several incidents that are said to be a part of the curse like cancer in the family, a plane crash that Ted Kennedy survived, and a plane crash that some did not.
https://www.cnn.com/2018/03/15/us/kennedy-family-curse/index.html
Another article here disputes the authenticity of the Kennedy Curse. It utilizes Patrick Kennedy's claims that mental illness is a huge component in the coincidences.
http://people.com/books/patrick-kennedy-mental-illness-caused-family-tragedies-not-kennedy-curse/
Howie tries to seduce Becca to "a song like Livin' For You" by Al Green, here is that song.
In recent years, Hollywood has seen a huge scandal with Matt Lauer being accused of sexual assault. This would be a pop culture occurence that would have to be kept in mind when producing the show.
http://variety.com/2017/biz/news/matt-lauer-accused-sexual-harassment-multiple-women-1202625959/