At a time when every news alert seems to deliver a seismic jolt about the world, these ads mostly touch on safe subjects we expect in Big Game commercials: Nostalgia. Comedy. Celebrities. Patriotism.

Fox charged a record $8 million for a 30-second spot during Sunday’s game between the Philadelphia Eagles and the Kansas City Chiefs.

Nike’s first big game ad in 27 years and other purpose-driven spots won the night, while ads built on celebrities, humor and politics had an uneven showing.