After his first national hosting job on the game "Make a Face" (ABC, 1961–1962), Clayton assumed announcing duties on the long-running NBC game "Concentration" in 1963, and took over hosting duties on the show in January 1969 as successor from original emcee Hugh Downs. He was replaced in March 1969 by Ed McMahon, but later returned in September 1969 after viewer outrage and declining audience ratings. Wayne Howell replaced Clayton in the announcer's booth; Clayton remained on the show until its 1973 cancellation.