4 amazing Stephen Colbert sketches on KFC, "shmeat", and more

Stephen Colbert eating Thanksgiving dinner
Comedy Central
Comedy Central

Nation: we're all in denial about today being The Colbert Report's final bow. And while Real Person Stephen Colbert (as opposed to Character Colbert) is bound to kill it in Letterman's chair, we still need to spend a little time mourning today. Since one of the man's fortes was the food and drink beat, we rounded up a few of our favorite skits from the past nine years. If shmeat isn't the best coping mechanism for this loss, we don't know what is.

"World of Nahlej - Shmeat"

That's one hell of a tagline, but the best part of this 2009 classic is when the commie scientist explains what "shmeat" stands for. May it never, ever see the light of a Safeway.


"Thought for Food: KFC's Go Cup & Powerful Yogurt"


But seriously, where's our Wheel Meat?

"Guess Who's Coming to Thanksgiving Dinner?"

In one swift move, Colbert encapsulated all the worst people at Thanksgiving. You still don't get to skip out on eating a meal with them, but at least this sketch will ease the pain of listening to Uncle Ron talk about ISIS.

"Better Know a District - New York's 25th"

Alright, this one is solely for the moment when Colbert shotguns a beer. Work on your technique, Maffei!

Bonus Non-CR Clip

Back in the early, early days of Colbert's career, he appeared on The Dana Carvey Show with Steve Carell. At one point, as waiters who can't discuss the specials without dry-heaving. It is simple yet glorious, and merits a watch right now.

Kristin Hunt is a Food/Drink staff writer for Thrillist, and would go to a restaurant just to get waited on by Colbert and Carell. Follow her at @kristin_hunt.