 The episode was co @-@ written by producers Robert Borden and Deborah Oppenheimer , while Steve Zuckerman directed . It was inspired by the British comedy film The Full Monty and Carey invited four of the film 's cast members to appear in the episode . " The Dog and Pony Show " was shot on October 15 , 1997 at the Warner Bros. Television studios in Burbank , California . The set was closed to the usual taping audience while the cast performed their striptease routine . " The Dog and Pony Show " was seen by an estimated 12 @.@ 4 million viewing households , finishing in 15th place in the ratings for the week it aired . Critical response was mostly positive , with reporters praising the script and the striptease routine . 
