Because of the unique way the BBC is funded...

[tencrush]

So, Julie Gardener has CONFIRMED that Torchwood S3 will be a 5-episode one week mini-series type event. Of course, this is all about money, pure and simple, and that's really a shame, because unlike Who, I don't think TW has enough casual fans (hardcore, yes, casual, no) in the UK to survive that kind of cutback. Unless S4 follows VERY SWIFTLY on the heels of this event, I doubt it'll get made.

God, I bet BBC America are SO FUCKING PISSED OFF right about now.