ABC is committing an important piece of prime-time real estate to a new sitcom, setting aside the lead-out slot following the season finale of “Modern Family” for a sneak peek of the comedy “Downward Dog.”

The new show will bow Wednesday, May 17, at 9:30 p.m. ET, leading out from the “Modern Family” season eight finale. “Downward Dog” will then move to its regular Tuesday night 8 p.m. time slot starting May 23.

ABC notes that “Downward Dog” is the first network comedy series to have its world premiere at the Sundance Film Festival.

“Based on a web series, ‘Downward Dog’ follows the day-to-day life of Nan (Emmy- and Golden Globe-nominated Allison Tolman, ‘Fargo’), as told by her increasingly lonely and philosophical dog, Martin (voiced by Samm Hodges),” the network notes.

The cast also includes Lucas Neff (“Raising Hope”) as Jason, Nan’s ex-boyfriend; Kirby Howell-Baptiste (“Love”) as Jenn, Nan’s best friend and co-worker; and Barry Rothbart (“The Wolf of Wall Street”) as Kevin, Nan’s boss.

“Downward Dog” series creators Michael Killen and Samm Hodges executive produce with Mosaic’s Jimmy Miller and Sam Hansen, and Animal Media’s Kathy Dzubiek. Showrunners Kat Likkel and John Hoberg also executive produce. The series is produced by Legendary Television and ABC Studios.