The series, more parody-based than its predecessor, has referenced/satirized a number of international celebrities, such as Alan Delon, Pele, Jacqueline Kennedy, and Aristotle Onassis (to avoid legal repercussions, the names have intentionally been changed by home video distributor Geneon to Japanese romanized spellings), as well as frequently parodying 1970s American movies and TV shows.
Lupin prominently wears a red jacket throughout the show. Thus this series is known as the "Red Jacket" series to fans.
The script for the 100th episode was written by a fan.
The now defunct Streamline Pictures dubbed the two episodes directed by Hayao Miyazaki which were released on a single VHS tape entitled "Greatest Capers". Streamline planned on dubbing a third episode but TMS, the company that produced Lupin The 3rd, wanted them to purchase the rights to the entire series. Ultimately, the projected cost of dubbing the remaining 153 episodes terminated Streamline's plans for any future Lupin releases.
This was the first Japanese animated show to be broadcast in stereo.