Syl's little free library is modeled after the Myers' house from Halloween (1978).
The last names of both the main girls are the last names of famous horror directors. Sadie Cuningham (Brianna Hildebrand) is a reference to Sean Cunningham, the director most known for Friday the 13th. McKayla Hooper (Alexandra Shipp) is a reference to Tobe Hooper, the director most known for Texas Chainsaw Massacre.
The geographical location of Rosedale is left purposefully ambiguous to make it feel like Anytown, USA. Even Lowell's driver's license doesn't have a state listed.
Archie Comics and Riverdale were a source of inspiration for the town of Rosedale. Craig is purposefully dressed to look like Archie, Sadie and McKayla are both cheerleaders (like Betty and Veronica) and the popular teen hangout is the juice bar, which is a contemporary version of a malt shoppe.
The Bookish Student was only meant to appear in one scene, but the director felt that Katie Stottlemire had such great comedic timing that he kept bringing her back to take part in more scenes.