Taylor Swift's New Single "Patient Zero" Music Video to World Premiere During "2026 MTV Video Music Awards"
Sep 24, 2026 08:40AM ● By Kelsey Swire
“Patient Zero” Is Directed by Taylor Swift and Stars Colin Farrell and Dakota Johnson
“VMAs” Will Simulcast on MTV and Stream on Paramount+
CBS and MTV announced today that the music video for Taylor Swift’s “Patient Zero” will make its world premiere during the 2026 MTV VIDEO MUSIC AWARDS (“VMAs”). Hosted by Snoop Dogg, the “VMAs” will air Sunday, Sept. 27 (6:30-8:30 PM, CT) on the CBS Television Network, simulcast on MTV and streaming on Paramount+ (Premium) in the U.S. The show will also be available globally the next day on Paramount+ and MTV.
“Patient Zero” is Taylor Swift’s new song from The Life of a Showgirl: The Encore, which is available to stream everywhere tomorrow, Friday, Sept. 25. The official music video will world premiere on the “VMAs” this Sunday, Sept. 27. It is directed by Taylor Swift and stars Colin Farrell and Dakota Johnson. Cinematography by Academy Award® winner Emmanuel Lubezki (“The Revenant,” “Birdman,” “Gravity”).
The exclusive premiere builds on the longstanding “VMAs” tradition of bringing artists and audiences together for major live music moments while giving artists a global stage to introduce new work and shape the cultural conversation in real time. It also reflects the unpredictability that has long defined the show – where unexpected pairings, performances and premieres can become the moments everyone is talking about.
Earlier this week, CBS and MTV announced that Swift will receive the inaugural MTV VMA Artist Director Honors at the 2026 “VMAs.” With this recognition, Swift cements her place as the most awarded “VMAs” solo artist in show history. She is nominated for 11 awards this year.
Follow @CBS, @MTV and @VMAs on social to keep up with all things #VMAs.
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