Steve Kroft Says He “Hated” His Time On 60 Minutes Despite Legendary 30-Year Career.

Steve Kroft spent 30 years on 60 Minutes, built a reputation as one of television journalism’s most respected correspondents and interviewed some of the most powerful figures in American culture and politics. But looking back now, he is not pretending the experience was easy.

In a candid conversation with Bill O’Reilly on We’ll Do It Live!, Kroft reflected on his long run at the CBS newsmagazine and admitted that, if given the chance, he probably would not do it again. Asked directly whether he would take the job again, Kroft answered no — then went even further, saying he “hated it.”

That admission surprised many viewers because 60 Minutes is widely seen as one of the most prestigious programs in broadcast journalism. For decades, it has been a place where correspondents chase major interviews, long-form investigations and stories with national impact. Kroft joined the show in 1989 and stayed until his retirement in 2019, making him one of the program’s defining figures.

But behind the prestige, Kroft described a brutal and competitive environment. He called the television news industry a “snake pit,” explaining that it was difficult to make real friendships in a world where reporters constantly competed for the best stories. He said that when he was chosen for 60 Minutes, not everyone was happy for him. Some people wanted that job themselves, and suddenly, he felt he had made enemies simply by getting the opportunity.

Kroft also said the work itself was relentless. A single 60 Minutes story required travel, reporting, writing, screenings, edits and intense review. Once one piece was finished, the cycle immediately began again. There was little room to stop, breathe or feel finished.

Still, his reflections were not entirely bitter. Kroft admitted the job was exhilarating and that the reason he loved parts of it was because of the stories he was able to do. He said 60 Minutes valued strong storytelling, and that gave him the chance to pursue work that mattered.

That tension is what makes his comments so fascinating. Kroft hated the pressure, the politics and the punishing rhythm of the job. But he also seemed to understand why the work became addictive. He joked that part of the thrill was realizing he was “still alive” after surviving the process.

During his career, Kroft interviewed major figures including Bill Clinton, Barack Obama, Bob Dole, Clint Eastwood and Woody Allen. He won five Peabody Awards and became one of the most recognizable faces in serious American television journalism.

Yet his most honest reflection may be that success does not always mean comfort. A dream job can still be exhausting. A prestigious platform can still be lonely. And a legendary career can still leave scars.

For longtime 60 Minutes viewers, Kroft’s remarks offer a rare look behind the polished broadcast. The stories may have looked seamless on Sunday nights, but the process behind them was often fierce, competitive and emotionally draining.

Steve Kroft may have helped shape 60 Minutes history. But now, years after leaving the show, he is making one thing clear: the price of that legacy was far heavier than many viewers ever knew.