Well, I have Starz as part of my cable package, so I won't be paying extra for it (and Starz is often included with cable deals). Starz already has a significant amount of subscribers; they're happy with their Spartacus viewership. Yes, they want to increase their subscriptions, but Torchwood has an established pattern of ratings in America, so they at least have an idea of what it should pull in. IMO it's poised to be major event television (especially if they're airing it in the summertime); it would have to fail magnificently for it not to get renewed. It doesn't have to perform as well as a network show. I really don't think they could've asked for a better situation (except maybe HBO or Showtime, but Starz is a younger channel and more willing to take risks on such fare IMO).

I could be very wrong...