It wasn't the first time bosses had tried to revive the show. In 1996, over 10 years after it had last been on British screens, McGann starred as the eighth Doctor in the made-for-TV film 'Doctor Who'. 

Despite a good reception, the attempt failed to capture the approval of the American audience, which it was primarily made for.

Fun fact: McCann beat his brother, Mark, to the role as the Doctor.